To receive Questions from the Public, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.
Minutes:
The Committee received a public question from Mr Abdul Khayal, Chair of the Oldham Taxi Owners Association.
I would like to raise matters with you that Oldham Hackney mixed fleets catering all types of customers effectively, Disable, vulnerable persons and children and schools runs.
Majority old peoples and disable persons mostly prefer to used saloons or estates cars.
Wheelchair users mostly prefer to using saloon vehicles as well some time customers which had difficulties in Manoeuvring easily their care persons used Black cabs or multi seaters vehicles.
As the committee members knows that these are European directions as well. But we now out of Europe but I am sure some European initiatives or directions will be used in future.
The other reasons why we asking Oldham for mixed fleets because Oldham centre or surrounding areas are not commercially or economically viable in town centre over 60% shops are closed night economy is completely finished which we as taxi driver needs desperately which makes our affordability Nil! (at present) (electric black cabs price wise too expensive £60000-68000) until such time Oldham town centre is improved significantly economically and our affordability become easier.
When grant comes and any driver want to buy electric vehicles we as trade had no objection.
But mixed fleets is the best choice for Oldham at the same time saloon vehicles can be blended with mixed fleets gradually.
If mixed fleets need to be black colour vehicles trade will advocate for it.
As Oldham had a age policies if drivers buy a vehicle Europe 6 diesel or petrol 4.
Are council allowed them to run those vehicles according to vehicles age limited?
Individuals councils can make their own decisions regarding vehicles policies by looking commercial viabilities in their areas.
Now Greater Manchester bus public policy is challenged in court that could have some bearing on taxi businesses. Wait and see. If you look Oldham Hackney fleets many vehicles are operating in town centre are environmentally vehicles, which shows that we do care good air quality which we breeze on daily basis.
The Chair provided the following response:
“I thank Mr Khayal for his question. The vehicle policy Mr Khayal refers has been subject to consultation with under GM Authorities under the Minimum Licensing Standards project which the committee is receiving an update about today.
Until such time that that piece of work is finalised and Officers present recommendations to all ten districts, I am unable to say what any future policy will look like. What I can say is that we have taken on board his concerns and, along with GM colleagues, shall work towards a local transition plan for the implementation of any future policy.
In the meantime, I wish to acknowledge the work that is being done by licensed drivers to support our residents and visitors, particularly those with mobility issues, for which, to many your services are a lifeline. In addition, I’d like to put on record our continued thanks for their efforts during the recent public health crisis.”