Could Tighter Regulation For Lewes District's Taxis Improve Service?

Tuesday, 1 August 2023 07:10

By John Warburton @Warblefly

A new survey, that anyone can answer, is looking into ways of tightening how taxi services in Lewes District are regulated and licensed.

Could a customer charter help improve the service? Should all licensed vehicles' drivers be obliged to keep a working spare wheel or similar in the taxi?

According to the district council, the consultation, which was launched on Monday (July 31), is in response to feedback from customers and those working within the trade.

After completing the survey (which you can find at the bottom of this article), members of the public can also express an interest in taking part in a focus-group session about the proposals.

Councillor Christine Robinson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, commented:

"Lewes district taxis and private hire are closely monitored and we regularly update our guidance for the trade, ensuring that customer, driver and vehicle safety is always the number one priority.

"We would like to hear people’s views on these proposed changes as part of our ongoing efforts to further strengthen taxi licensing for the benefit of customers, drivers and operators."

Proposed changes to the guidance include:

Rewording the Penalty Points Scheme to make it easier for licensees to understand and help streamline investigations.
Introducing a Customer and Driver Charter.
Consulting on the option to have audio recording of CCTV systems within taxi and private hire vehicles.
Introducing a requirement for all licensed vehicles to carry a spare wheel or suitable alternative.
Offering a Private Hire-only licence (currently only dual licences are offered).
Clarity around vehicles that have been classed a written-off.

The consultation runs until 5pm on Sunday, September 10.

Follow this link to take part.