Older taxis could be allowed in Halton due to financial strains of pandemic
Halton Council is due to discuss the issue next week
By Oliver Clay
Stock picture of a taxi. (Picture: PA)
Councillors have been asked to extend the maximum age of taxis allowed to operate in Halton to cushion the financial pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A report published ahead of Halton Borough Council's regulatory committee meeting on Wednesday, January 13, said a cabbie whose vehicle was due to be replaced this year had lodged a request for an extension.
The taxi driver said the trade would benefit from a temporary loosening of the rules because of the financial strain incurred by the virus crisis.
Under standard Halton Council rules, non-fully wheelchair accessible taxis must be no older than five years when first licensed, and operate until no older than 10 years.
For fully-wheelchair accessible taxis, they must be no older than 13 years when they start and cannot operate beyond 16 years.
A consultation found 63 of drivers out of the 77 who responded supported the proposal, with nine of those in favour supporting a 12-month extension.
A further five called for it to be reviewed after 12 months with the potential to last longer, and 11 drivers supported a two-year extension, with four calling for a review at two years.
Eleven drivers opposed any extension.
A report published for regulatory chiefs to consider said they would have to weigh up the "punitive" costs of buying a vehicle during a pandemic against lowering standards for the public.
The board was scheduled to make a decision on Wednesday, January 13.
Halton covers the towns of Runcorn, Cheshire, and Widnes, Cheshire, and surrounding villages.