The DfT have just issued Guidance for Local Transport Plans, and they have reminded councils that;
As the Government's Action Plan for taxis and private hire vehicles (published in March 2004) makes clear, these services, and the way they are licensed, are an integral part of local transport policy making, and should therefore be considered as part of the LTP process. The Government intends during 2005 to consult on draft guidance for local authorities on best practice in taxi / private hire vehicle licensing. In advance of that consultation, provisional LTPs should be prepared in a way that incorporates and explains local policies relating to taxi and private hire vehicle services, and should specifically include explanations or justifications of any restrictions imposed on numbers of licences by authorities in the LTP area.
Nothing new, but if councils want money to fill in their pot-holes, and/or new roads/buses/etc, then they had best do what they are told.
