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19
Dec 2022
Harrogate taxi drivers may be required to have knowledge of Skipton and Ryedale, under proposals being considered by county council bosses.
The local knowledge test licensed drivers must pass to carry passengers looks likely to be adapted, a meeting examining a move to create the country’s largest single taxi zone has heard.
Under proposals already put forward, the new North Yorkshire Council would create a single licensing policy for hackney carriages and private hire vehicles in the entire county.
It would mean drivers in Harrogate could operate anywhere in North Yorkshire, whereas they are currently restricted to the Harrogate district.
Councillors examining issues over harmonising taxi services heard the Department for Transport believed abolishing the seven zones would cut dead mileage for drivers and boost customer choice.
At the moment, the district and borough councils all have a knowledge test restricted to their areas, and it is unclear how much knowledge a taxi driver based in Selby would need to have of villages in the Yorkshire Dales.
Officers leading the proposals said they were examining how the knowledge test could be applied across North Yorkshire.
However, the proposals have been criticised by some local drivers.
Councillors were told taxi drivers in Harrogate in particular had formed “very vociferous” views over the proposals, which also include not setting a limit for the amount of taxis that can be licensed.
A consultation into the policy changes is open until January 19, 2023. You can have your say here.
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