Moves in place to tackle cross-border taxi operation

    Bradford Council has welcomed action taken by a Lancashire local authority to stop Rossendale taxis operating across the border in Bradford.

    Council taxi officers were concerned that safety checks on the outside vehicles and drivers were not as tough and that they had no powers to enforce safety rules on taxis not licensed in Bradford.

    When random spot checks have been carried out by Rossendale officers visiting the Bradford area, a higher proportion of Rossendale licensed vehicles have been recorded as having safety defects than are recorded in similar checks on vehicles licensed in Bradford.

    After senior councillors held cross-border talks about the issue, Rossendale taxi bosses have taken action.

    They have introduced a new ‘Intended Use’ policy which requires every applicant for a taxi licence in Rossendale to declare where the taxi will be operating the majority of the time. If this is outside the area, then it is likely that the licence will not be granted.

    Bradford Council had been pressing for this policy to be introduced in talks with Rossendale. New applicants will be have to qualify immediately but existing licence holders will not be affected until they need to renew their licence in 12 to 18 months time.

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