Thursday 12 February 2015
Environment Department response to media enquiry from BBC Radio Guernsey.
BBC Radio Guernsey Enquiry:
In relation to your press release on accessible taxis, please could you tell me...
What specific benefits are there for taxi drivers who sign up for the new taxi plate?
What restrictions will apply for those who don't?
Will not signing up for the new licence plate have any impact on new or existing taxi drivers OR restrict their ability to carry disabled passengers?
How much does it currently cost to apply for a taxi licence?
How much will it cost to apply for an ATC licence, including the associated training, etc?
Will any concessions be made for taxi drivers who currently have accessible or "wheelchair friendly" cabs that don't meet all the specific criteria for the new licence plate (eg. the specific size or angle of wheelchair ramp)?
Thanks for your help.
Environment Department Response:
The proposed new plates are not intended to introduce new benefits or restrictions to existing taxi plate holders. Existing white plate holders will continue to be able to operate as they currently do.
Very few existing taxi drivers have vehicles that can accommodate a wheelchair or which have the other adaptations required by disabled passengers. These existing taxis will not be prevented from accepting bookings from disabled persons and will not have their licence restricted in any way. The choice as to what type of taxi to use will be left to the individual passenger. As few existing taxi drivers have accessible vehicles there will be limited impact on the existing trade that caters for people with a disability. As the licences will also permit taxi drivers to use the taxi ranks the Department has agreed in consultation with the Taxi Owners Federation to issue the licences in stages in order to assess their impact.
It is clear that the marketplace is not meeting the needs of disabled people and hence an incentive is required. The incentive is the ability to acquire a taxi plate enabling the driver to operate from the ranks without the upfront cost of purchasing an existing White Plate. However to obtain that right the licence, issued free of charge by the Department, will carry additional obligations concerning the nature of the vehicle and service provided.
Although the Accessible Taxi Plates will be issued free of charge, as is the case other taxi and private hire plates, operators of the plates will need to comply with the general Public Service Licence provisions. Therefore, the cost to apply for an accessible taxi plate will depend on whether the person is an existing taxi driver, and hence already holding a Public Service Vehicle permit, or not. If they do not currently hold a permit they will be required to pass the standard taxi driver requirements such as passing an Island Knowledge test, a medical, a driving test and a convictions check. The total costs incurred by a new applicant is circa £250. Applicants will also need to have a vehicle which meets the criteria that the Department has stipulated. The cost of the vehicle will depend on the model purchased but is likely to cost circa £15-20,000.
Each application will be determined on its own merits and whilst there are certain criteria where the Department would not be prepared to grant a concession, it may be willing to do so in some areas. It should be noted however that priority will be given to those vehicles that fully meet the specifications.
Contact Information:
Karl Guille, Traffic and Transport Services Manager
Environment Department
Tel: 243400
