New Forest District Council is currently reviewing its taxi licensing policy, with a focus on enhancing driver standards and safety.

While the draft policy does not currently mandate the installation of CCTV in licensed vehicles, the issue has been raised and will be subject to further consideration.

During a committee meeting on 10 January, Conservative Councillor Steve Clark expressed support for exploring the use of CCTV in taxis.

"If you look at all forms of public transport now, buses, trains, everything, they all have CCTV," he stated.

“The cost of CCTV equipment over the years has come down quite considerably and it wouldn’t be onerous I think to have CCTV installed within taxi vehicles.

“This is for the benefit of not just the public, but it is for the benefit of the drivers as well because we see a number of complaints and issues around drivers made from the public, which on occasion can be quite unfair to the drivers.”

Liberal Democrat councillor David Harrison said it did not seem “very sensible” to have mandatory CCTV for vehicles licensed with neighbouring Southampton City Council and not in the New Forest.

Cllr Harrison said: “If anything, the risks are greater in the New Forest. A rural type area where things can happen not within the sight of the public who might intervene or deter these things."

The draft policy, developed through extensive consultation with licence holders, neighbouring authorities, union representatives and the public, includes several key improvements:

• Enhanced Driver Standards: More stringent DBS checks, an updated DBS scheme, and a formal code of conduct for driver behaviour and appearance.
• Vehicle Standards: Updated regulations regarding the age and condition of licensed vehicles.
• Private Hire Vehicle Identification: Improved signage requirements for private hire vehicles.

The committee has recommended the amended draft policy for approval at the full council meeting next month.

While the immediate introduction of mandatory CCTV is not included, the council has committed to further review this aspect, considering factors such as cost, data protection and the specific needs of the New Forest.

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A local taxi driver has been arrested and charged with possessing a significant quantity of cocaine with intent to supply.

Karl Bennett, 40, appeared before Isle of Man Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 9 January, following his arrest on 7 January.

Prosecutor Sara-Jayne Dodge told the court that police stopped Bennett's vehicle and subsequently conducted searches of the vehicle and a Douglas property.

These searches allegedly yielded 272.5 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of £27,500.

Ms Dodge argued against bail, citing the substantial quantity of drugs seized and the potential risk of Bennett absconding or committing further offences to repay a potential drug debt.

Defence attorney Kaitlyn Shimmin acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but emphasised Mr. Bennett's strong local ties, lack of a passport, and willingness to comply with strict bail conditions, including regular police reporting.

However, the magistrates ultimately denied bail, and Bennett was remanded in custody at the Isle of Man Prison.

The case was adjourned until 16 January to allow the defence time to review the evidence.

Karl Bennett has not yet entered a plea to the charge.

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Officers from Derry City and Strabane’s Foyleside and The Moor Neighbourhood Policing Team seized seven vehicles during a joint road safety operation with the Driver & Vehicle Agency.

Five of the vehicles seized are suspected of operating as illegal taxis, while the others were seized in relation to other traffic offences.

Foyleside and The Moor Neighbourhood Sergeant Stewart said: “We are committed to keeping our roads safe and that includes ensuring vehicles are roadworthy. We will continue, along with partner agencies, to do all we can to make sure every vehicle on our roads safe, and is driven by an insured, licensed driver.

“We will continue to hold these type of operations as we are committed to keeping our roads safe and that includes ensuring vehicles on the road are roadworthy.

“Our ask to drivers is help keep our roads safe and avoid the ‘fatal five’ – don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down; don’t be careless; always wear your seat belt and never use your mobile phone while driving.”

Police warn that illegal taxis present a risk to anyone who uses them as, in some instances, they are uninsured and the safety checks that are carried out on drivers are not completed.

Sergeant Stewart said: “Police and partner agencies will continue to apply measures to make sure every taxi on our roads is safe, and is driven by an insured, licensed  driver and operated through a reputable taxi business.

“Taxi firms should ensure their drivers continue to display proper plates and carry the necessary papers and identification so that a member of the public can easily identify a legal taxi.”

 

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Drivers at a private hire company in Reading had a 'remarkable evening' to celebrate their achievements and recognise the work they do helping people get about. 

Bliss Cars247 recently celebrated achievements made over the last year in partnership with the charity Berkshire Vision.

A staff member for the company said: "This incredible local charity provides vital support, activities, and sports for visually impaired children, adults and their families across Berkshire.

"The event wasn’t just about celebrating our amazing team’s achievements but also about shining a light on the impactful work Berkshire Vision does every day.

"Together, we raised awareness and support for their cause, and we’re committed to continuing our efforts to help make a difference in their lives.

"A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this special night. Let’s keep driving change, one step at a time!" 

The event took place at Walford Hall near the town centre on Tuesday, January 7. 

Drivers for the company Aftab Malik, Misbah Ud Din, Naveed Ali and Nazid Ahmed were given awards in recognition for their exemplary service. 

Mr Malik won the award for community engagement, Mr Ud Din was named the most reliable driver, Mr Ahmed won the most professional driver award and Muhammad Rafaqat was crowned the best new driver at the ceremony. 

The event was attended by Ahsan Ikhlaq, the director of the company, Laura Mitchell, CEO of Berkshire Vision, Clare Matthews, the head of marketing and communication at Berkshire Vision and Ben Williams, a licensing and enforcement officer for Reading Borough Council.

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The government has ordered an independent investigation into the impact of modern headlight technology on road safety after 216 accidents were linked to dazzling headlights in 2023.

According to national collisions data, dazzling headlights were a contributing factor in 216 incidents in 2023. This was up from 211 the year before, but down from 315 in 2017 and 309 a decade ago.

Concerns have been raised about the increasing brightness of LED headlights, particularly on SUVs, and the growing use of automatic headlight systems.

AA President Edmund King said: “Our own research shows it is an issue for some drivers with three quarters saying they have been blinded by oncoming headlights. Our members tell us that they are feeling the strain of brighter headlights more than ever before, as well as brighter brake and traffic lights.

“Conversely, they also say brighter lights enhance road safety.

"The problem seems to be LED lights on higher vehicles such as SUVs. The Government-sponsored investigation into the use of LED lights on our roads should help clarify this issue further, as well as provide appropriate measures where needed.”

Labour MP Graeme Downie expressed similar concerns, stating: "Cars with newer LED lights can be blinding for other road users.

"In addition, technology such as automatic beam control means some drivers are less aware of the impact their own lighting might have on others.

"The safety of individual drivers cannot be at the expense of other road users and pedestrians.

“I am glad this is something the Government is now looking at and I look forward to the results and what action can be taken to improve road safety.”

While acknowledging public concern, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood stated that national collision statistics do not show a clear link between advanced lighting technology and an increase in accidents.

However, the government has commissioned independent research to investigate the root causes of headlight glare and explore potential solutions.

The findings of this research are expected to be published this summer.

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