Greater Manchester taxi drivers given a dress code and new behaviour rules

Taxi drivers in Greater Manchester are to be given a dress code and new set of behaviour rules which bans them from eating or vaping in their vehicles. 

According to the BBC, council chiefs in all ten boroughs have signed up to minimum standards for private hire and hackney carriage drivers in the licensing process.

This means all drivers will now be required to take minimum English proficiency tests and enhanced criminal record and medical checks.

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The standards agreement also means drivers are now legally bound to take the shortest routes possible and must keep their vehicles clean and comfortable for passengers, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

Price setting will also be made uniform across the county.

Details of the scheme was presented to Trafford Council before being approved, and stated that the ‘collaborative approach’ would help achieve ‘a strong, professional and healthy’ taxi and private hire sector to provide ‘safe and high quality services’ across Greater Manchester.

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The standards, which also asks drivers to be on time and park considerately, are based on feedback from a consultation involving drivers, customers and unions back in June.

Greater Manchester Minimum Licensing Standards says on their website: “We want to see taxi and private hire services in Greater Manchester deliver a safer, high-quality experience for everyone, every time, using vehicles that meet high environmental standards.”

There are an estimated 2,000 hackney vehicles, 11,500 private hire vehicles and 18,600 drivers in the region.