Taxi Driver Online

Council Press Release

Safer taxi travel in Guildford

Passengers of taxis and private hire vehicles travelling in Guildford will now be safer after we updated our licensing policy to improve standards and make services more efficient.

All drivers will need to sign up to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to be checked every six months, all licensed taxis will be fitted with CCTV equipment and there will be improved staff training and vetting for private hire operators, following new rules set by the Department for Transport.

Ian Doyle, Director of Service Delivery said:

"This updated policy will help improve driving, vehicle and operator standards in our borough and will help make passengers feel safer. As a local authority we are responsible for ensuring safe travel through well-regulated services in our borough. We want to set standards which are among the highest in the country to ensure that all passengers feel safe when travelling in a taxi or other private hire vehicle. These measures will both protect the public and build public confidence in our services."

There will also be stricter vehicle emissions standards to help reduce air pollution in our borough and improved maintenance standards to ensure vehicles are safer.

Ian Doyle adds: "Taxis are one of the main methods of transport for those travelling to and from Guildford in the evening, especially at weekends, and we want to make sure that all passengers feel protected and safe. Guildford remains the only town in Surrey with a Purple Flag for the quality and safety of its nights out. We look forward to seeing our residents supporting our pubs, bars and restaurants again and enjoy returning to our stunning historic town as Coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions ease. Please continue to be considerate to one another and make sure you use only Guildford licensed taxis and private hire cars."

The Guildford Town Purple Flag Partnership Group (GTPFP) is led by us and our Business Improvement District, Experience Guildford, and is supported by a broad range of organisations including Surrey Police, the Safer Guildford Partnership, Street Angels and Guildford Pub Watch.

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IDFIMH

Another council using the ruse of setting up council run businesses to pay their councillors (directors salaries)

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lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector