RESIDENTS have been asked to submit their views about how Uttlesford District Council regulates the taxi trade.

Under Government legislation the council is responsible for licensing all types of taxis, their drivers and operators.

The authority now wants to enshrine the standards it applies when considering applications for these licences in a Licensing Policy for the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire trades.

The district council has a legal duty to grant Hackney Carriage or Private Hire driving licences to any applicant who has held a full driving licence for at least a year.

However, it must first be satisfied that the applicant is a “fit and proper person”, taking into account factors such as their health and any criminal convictions they may have.

UDC has powers to suspend or revoke licences for drivers and operators and, in certain circumstances, to bring criminal prosecutions of its own before the courts.

The draft policy deals with the standards required of drivers, operators and vehicles, the conditions attached to licences and the approach taken regarding enforcement of the legislation and conditions.

Cllr Doug Perry, chair of the Licensing & Environmental Health committee, said: “The basis of the legislation is to ensure the safety, wellbeing and comfort of the public and the draft policy sets out the council’s approach to securing that aim.

“It is designed to protect not only taxi passengers but also pedestrians and other road users.

“I would urge any resident who uses taxis on a regular basis to have a look at the draft policy and let us know if they think anything could be added to it to further increase the protection it affords.”

The draft Taxi & Licensed Vehicle Policy can be viewed online at uttlesford.gov.uk/licensing