BRADFORD COUNCIL AXES KNOWLEDGE TEST FOR NEW TAXI DRIVERS CITING PREVALENCE OF SAT NAVS

Bradford Metropolitan District Council has voted to eliminate the "knowledge test" for new taxi drivers, citing the prevalence of satellite navigation systems.

However, the decision made amidst a packed Bradford City Hall meeting on Thursday 10 Apri, has sparked a heated debate, particularly regarding mandatory vehicle markings and driver safety.

The council assures that drivers will still receive training on key city landmarks. But a contentious point remains: the requirement for taxis to display licensing stickers and company names.

Raja Khan, a private hire driver, voiced serious concerns, stating: "We're seeing an increase in private hire vehicles being targeted and vandalised, with windows being smashed. It is unsafe because vehicles are easily identified."

He also highlighted the abuse drivers face due to these markings.

Khan argued that modern technology, such as apps and text messages, provides passengers with vehicle and driver details, negating the need for visible decals. "Other drivers are subject to abuse because we have stickers on our cars," he added.

However, Councillor Shakeela Lal expressed safety concerns from a passenger's perspective. "I wouldn't feel safe getting into a taxi without any markings on," she stated. "I'd wonder how official they were."

Lal also acknowledged the existence of "no-go areas for Asian taxi drivers," further highlighting the complex safety issues involved.

The council's hackney carriage and private hire licensing manager countered that not all operators possess the technology to provide passenger details electronically, and that public feedback indicated a preference for visible decals. "When we speak to the public, they tell us they want to see decals," they said.

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