Licensing changes made to improve services

Release date: 26.11.07
Ref: BBC/PR/L&D/38/07

A number of changes have been made to the way taxi licensing services are being delivered in order to continually improve services for customers.

Senior Licensing Officer David Wilson said:

“In April 2005 the Council licensed 46 hackney carriages and introduced an annual expiry date to improve the efficiency of its services to members of the trade and public.

“As a result of members of the taxi trade from elsewhere recognising this Council’s quality of service, we now licence 380 hackney carriages. If the rate of growth was to continue, as it has over the past 12 months, the time would soon come when we would not be able to cope with all licences expiring on the same date.

“In the circumstances, Licensing Committee revised the arrangements so that licences expire at the end of the month preceding the anniversary of the grant of the licence.

“We know this is a change for members of the taxi trade, but it will ensure that we continue to provide the best service.

“Berwick Borough Taxi Association was consulted on the minor changes to the plates. In fact, one of the reasons for introducing the new plates was because we can produce them in-house which means that customers get an even quicker service and can work immediately.

“All drivers were also consulted on the new roof signs; the design was changed because of comments which were made by the trade and members of the public. When the new roof signs were introduced, all taxi owners who had taxis licensed with the Council on 3 April 2006 received a free new sign.

“The signs clearly distinguish a hackney carriage from a private hire vehicle making it easier for members of the public to recognise a taxi licensed by this Council, because only a taxi licensed by this Council can be hailed in the street or hired from a rank in the Borough,” he said.

If anyone has any questions about the improved licensing services contact Senior Licensing Officer David Wilson on taxis@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk or call 01289 301804.