WHY DID WEST LOTHIAN ONLY CHOOSE THESE KIND AND MODEL OF THE NEW APPROVED TAXI WHEN THERE IS FAR MUCH CHEAPER CARS WITH SAME HIGHT AND THE CO2  EMISSION LESS OR SIMILAR TO THE NEW APPROVED TAXIS     READ MORE CLICK HERE >>>>

suitable vehicles note

AS ON 10/01/2010 WE DID RECEIVE A REPLAY  FROM WEST LOTHIAN COUNCIL

Which has the following explanation to the above points

To Cab Drivers Association

The answers to the questions raised in your recent e mail are as follows

-

1. Following extensive consultation the Council has recently reviewed

its policy on suitable vehicles for use as taxis. I enclose a copy of

the committee report where all the issues are covered. There is no

requirement for taxi vehicles to be a particular age however, the new

policy requires particular vehicles to be licensed which must be side

loading and to meet an accessibility standard.

2. Rear loading access - safety and accessibility issues were raised

about this at the Hire Car Consultative Group (HCCG). Please see the

report for the details.

3. Drivers can apply for an exemption on medical grounds from assisting

wheelchair passengers. These exemptions are statutory and therefore

apply to all drivers within Scotland and are not affected by Council

policy. If an exemption certificate is granted following a medical

examination that driver is exempt from having to assist wheelchair

passengers but this exemption does not apply to the vehicle.

4. In addition to all new taxi vehicles requiring to have retractable

steps they all must have grab handles to assist the ambulant disabled or

passengers with mobility problems. In making changes to the requirements

for hire cars the Council accepts that not all passengers will be able

to access the new taxi vehicles. A small number of passengers travelling

within wheelchairs may require to book a tail lift vehicle from within

the PHC fleet and a number of passengers may prefer to book a saloon PHC

rather than a taxi. It is hoped that taxi drivers will assist and

encourage passengers to use the new taxi vehicles where possible and

give elderly people in particular the confidence to use the steps and

grab rails safely. The Council is currently reviewing training

requirements for drivers and the HCCG will be looking at introducing

mandatory disability awareness training for all drivers.

5. The HCCG in reviewing training requirements will also be shortly

looking at introducing customer awareness training which will address

communication issues.

I am unable to understand your final point regarding enforcement. Please

clarify your question. For your information the Licensing Committee does

not have policy making powers. All decisions regarding hire car policies

are made by the Council Executive.

You will note from the enclosed committee report that the Council has

set up the HCCG to discuss hire car issues and report back to the

Council. There are representatives on that group from the 3 local hire

car trade associations. In order to be considered for inclusion in the

group as a hire car trade association your association must be a

properly constituted association with a constitution and elected office

bearers and represent a significant number of drivers or owners. If you

wish your association to be recognised by the Council please supply me

with a copy of your constitution, your membership list and minutes from

your last meeting in order that this may be considered.

I also enclose for your information a copy of the recently issued

guidance note regarding suitable vehicles which is being issued to all

operators and those on the taxi licence waiting list.

Postal address :

Licensing Team

West Lothian Civic Centre

Howden South Road

Livingston

West Lothian EH54 6FF