New rules come into force for Sunderland taxi drivers - tougher checks, higher standards, and dress code included in new policy

The rules and regulations for Sunderland’s Hackney Carriage and private hire went live at the beginning of January.

Some rules are based around driver standards others around background checks and previous convictions, and regulations even extend to banning crop tops, short shorts and caps.

There is also provision for ensuring only eco-friendly vehicles are used in coming years.

Sunderland City Council oversees and licenses the taxi and private hire trade, and council chiefs say the regulations are in line with national and statutory standards issued by the Department for Transport.

Councillor Jill Fletcher chairs the council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee that regulates the trade and its drivers.

The committee approved the council’s first statement of Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy in December.

"We are working towards a more dynamic, healthy and vibrant Sunderland and our drivers and companies have a role in this too,” said Cllr Fletcher.

"The trade is regarded as being ambassadors for the city and I would like, on behalf of the travelling public, to pass on my thanks to everyone who contributed and commented during the consultation. The updates and new policy are about assisting the trade, protecting the public and meeting national and local requirements."We all recognise and appreciate the valuable role those who work in the trade play in transporting the people of Sunderland and our many visitors, especially during these difficult times."The policy sets down eight major objectives and how “The overriding objective of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing regime is the protection of the public, with particular emphasis upon safeguarding children and vulnerable people and to protect them from harm.”

Following the consultation with companies, drivers, residents, Northumbria Police and others, from 1 January 2023 other key points in the licensing policy include::: A new Convictions Policy and Assessment of Previous Convictions document relating to the licensing of drivers:: A new Code of Conduct for licensed drivers and the responsibilities they have towards passengers and residents. It also includes a new 48 hour self-reporting period for any matters, such as alleged offences, convictions, cautions and fixed penalty notices that could have a bearing on a licence, and a new dress code:: A new Driver Improvement Scheme which aims to improve the general standard of driving on the part of licensed drivers. Existing drivers who accrue more than six penalty points and up to nine penalty points for minor driving offences within a three-year period will be requested to complete a driver improvement course:: Changes to the specifications of tinted windows in licensed vehicles. Those provisions went live in December 2022, and stipulate only manufactured body-tinted glass is permitted:: Private hire operators to assess the suitability of their booking and dispatch staff.

Also included is a dress code for drivers, which requires them to wear long trousers, knee-length shorts or skirts or dresses. T-shirts must be full body length and have short sleeves.

Sandals, flip-flops and other footwear not secured round the heel are banned, and limousine-hire drivers must wear a chauffeur’s uniform or other ‘business-type’ clothes.

Sportswear is deemed inappropriate, except during important tournaments or to ‘celebrate successes’.

No headwear, or other items that partially, or completely cover the head, face, or which conceals the identity of the licensed driver – including baseball caps and hoodies – are permitted, except for religious purposes.

The council has also outlined that, as Sunderland becomes a more low-carbon city, it aims to only issue vehicle licences to ultra-low, or zero emission vehicles by 2030.

Full details of the policy are at: https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/media/22275/Statement-of-Private-Hire-and-Hackney-Carriage-Licensing-Policy-2023/pdf/Statement_of_Private_Hire_and_Hackney_Carriage_Licensing_Policy_2023-2027.pdf

There are 557 Hackney Carriage drivers in Sunderland and 489 Private Hire Drivers.John Gettins, of City Taxis and Chairman of the Sunderland Private Hire Association, said: "We know how we always have to move forward and keep up with changing times."This includes how the City Council and councils across the country that regulate the private hire trade must follow and update guidelines and legislation that come from the Department for Transport."We’ve seen and been involved in the consultation process, points we made have been recognised and we note how this is a very necessary piece of work. it is all about benefiting members of the public and making further improvements for everyone in the trade."

Taxi companies say they welcome the new regulations, adding they have been pushing for some of the changes themselves in recent years.Trevor Hines, Managing Director of Station Taxis (Sunderland) and Regional Secretary, of the National Taxi Association (North East & Cumbria), said: "There are some key points within the new Licensing Policy that the trade has been requesting for several years, such as local authorities sharing information through a National Register of Taxi Licence Refusals and Revocations."The safety of children and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance, and a central licensing database should hopefully stop drivers who have been refused a licence or had their licence revoked by one local authority moving to another area to work."Paula Hough, general manager of City Taxis, said: "It’s great to see active and positive steps coming from licensing at the local authority.

"The private hire and Hackney Carriage industry are facing enormous pressures at the minute and it’s good to see the City Council making efforts to help the industry."