CONCERN FOR SAFETY OF STOCKPORT RESIDENTS USING HACKNEY CABS

Concerns have been raised for residents and the business community across Stockport as Hackney cabs registered in Rossendale are increasingly looking for business outside of their area.

Confusion arises over strict licensing rules that prevent Private Hire cabs in Stockport, such as Lynx, from accepting passengers who hail a cab rather than pre-booking, whereas the public are generally more used to being able to hail the original black Hackney cab displaying ‘For Hire’ lights.

The Hackney cabs are licensed to stop on demand and pick up passengers in Rossendale where their license has been granted but they are not legally allowed to do so in Stockport.

Councillor Chris Gordon, Chairman of the licensing, environment and safety committee, has revealed the extent of the problem after Stockport Council’s licensing team received hundreds of complaints from members of the public, licensed drivers and taxi trade associations.

“The real problem is the safety, comfort and general well-being of the town’s people. If people see a taxi with a sticker on then you would assume this vehicle can be hailed but legally they cannot be outside their area”.

The confusion arises as Rossendale taxis have lights and signs showing their availability and suggesting the vehicle can be hailed when in reality this is not the case; Rossendale Borough Council stipulates the ‘hailing’ stickers cannot be removed, which is causing problems when they operate outside their borough. Should any licensing law be broken the serious issue of invalidated insurance exists.

Another concern is Rossendale drivers having limited working knowledge of the area, ultimately providing a lesser service compared to drivers licensed by Stockport Council.

This is caused by a difference in licensing regimes as Rossendale Borough Council does not operate a knowledge test whereas Stockport’s test – strengthened in March 2012 – is rigorous.

“We have a very strong knowledge test in Stockport for private hires as well as Hackneys but it’s more intense for Hackneys than private hire,” said Cllr Gordon.

Source: Mancunian Matters