A NEW scheme has been launched to bring about improvements in the service quality of taxis and private hire vehicles in Uttlesford. The Uttlesford District Council-led Quality Taxi Partnership aims to set new standards and encourage closer working between

A NEW scheme has been launched to bring about improvements in the service quality of taxis and private hire vehicles in Uttlesford.

The Uttlesford District Council-led Quality Taxi Partnership aims to set new standards and encourage closer working between all groups involved. Those groups include authorities, agencies and members of the taxi and private hire trade.

And the partnership - similar to those launched elsewhere in Essex - has already identified a number of objectives and priorities which it will work to bring about, such as improving on-street waiting facilities for customers, delivering a training package to improve drivers' customer care standards and introducing support services for those unable to use conventional taxis.

UDC's licensing committee chairman, Cllr Eric Hicks, said: "I'm very pleased to be involved with the launch of this partnership, which has been universally welcomed by everyone who's taking part.

"Although Uttlesford already has a high quality of taxi and private hire vehicle service, I am confident that through this partnership we can improve it even further, and I look forward to working closely with the organisations and individuals involved."

Attending the launch alongside members of the trade were representatives from the six stakeholders involved in the partnership: Pictured from left, Cllr Eric Hicks, UDC's Licensing Committee Chairman; Gaynor Bradley from the local strategic partnership, Uttlesford Futures; Greg Keys from Essex Fire and Rescue Service; Essex Police Uttlesford District Commander Chief Inspector Joe Wrigley; Andrew James from Essex County Council; and Barry Drinkwater, chairman of the Uttlesford Licensed Operators and Drivers Association.