Reading private taxi drivers were in limbo over admin delays

Drivers say a renewals backlog meant they've been left without licences because they had expired before their applications to renew have been approved.

However, thanks to negotiations between the Reading Private Hire Association, which advocates for drivers, and Reading Borough Council’s licensing team, drivers were given an 'entitlement to drive' so that licence holders could continue working.

READ MORE: Reading taxi drivers set up new union after to barter with the council

At a recent meeting, Kamran Saddiq, chairman of the association, said: “We’d like to thank licensing for reinstating the entitlement to drive, that’s been a massive help to all of our drivers, they're really appreciative of what you’ve done.

“It was a blessing that drivers could get back to work.”

However, a backlog for licensing approvals remains.

Clyde Mason, a licensing officer for Reading Borough Council pointed out that the entitlement to drive applies to those who have submitted their re-applications six weeks prior to licence termination.

Licensing officer Anthony Chawama added that the entitlement to drive had been removed, before being reinstated, because it was being exploited by some drivers who were leaving their re-applications to the last minute.

READ MORE: Reading private taxi drivers frustration over being 'fobbed off' in bid to use bus lanes

Private hire licenses last for three years after which they must be renewed.

A series of other issues were raised at the meeting as well.

Drivers must attend in-person safeguarding courses each time they obtain a licence. The association asked for this course to be done online after a driver attends their first course in person.

Officer Mason said the sessions are a statutory requirement but online courses could be looked into.

He added that drivers will be notified to attend a safeguarding course on the third year of their licence, giving them 11 months to attend such a course ready for their renewal application.

Drivers also require a DBS check to trade.

Clyde Mason, Reading Borough Council licensing officer and Kamran Saddiq, chairman of the Reading Private Hire Association. Credit: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Furthermore, Mr Saddiq questioned the need for roof signs and side panels for private hire cars.

Currently, drivers have to display either roof signs or side panels to distinguish them from hackney carriages.

Officer Mason said the council’s licensing team was willing to hear proposed changes to the private hire display regime.

Mr Saddiq also asked for more clarity on penalties. A driver’s licence will be suspended for 14 days if they acquire 12 points on their licence.

Officer Mason explained that penalties are kept on record for four years, but no longer apply if there are no infractions after 12 months.

These issues were discussed at a meeting between association executives and council officers at the Claim & Hire Specialist Office at 21 Boulton Road, Whitley.

The meeting of the Reading Private Hire Association occurred on Tuesday, February 7.