Taxi Driver Online

I wonder how many people realise that the Taxi trade has an expected right to consultation when the powers that be decide to "Extinguish the right to use vehicles on the highway". For example the pedestrianisation of a section of road etc.
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The Secretary of State for Transport (in relation to highways outside Greater London), London borough councils (in relation to highways in Greater London) and the National Assembly for Wales (in relation to highways in Wales) are empowered to make orders extinguishing the right to use vehicles on a highway. Such orders are made on the application of a local planning authority that has by resolution adopted a proposal for improving the amenity of part of its area.

The local planning authority must consult with the highway authority, if different, and any other authority who is the local planning authority for the area in question before applying to the Secretary of State, National Assembly or London borough council.

Statutory utility companies should be consulted along with the emergency services (who are usually granted exemptions allowing them to use their vehicles on the pedestrianised area).

In addition, bodies representing special interests that may be affected by the pedestrianisation proposals (for example, disabled drivers and taxi operators) should be consulted. A traffic impact assessment should also be submitted with the application.
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Some councils will always try and avoid consulting the trade, and many unions/associations let them get away with it.

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IDFIMH