Taxi moves agreed

A PACKAGE of measures have been agreed to support taxi services across the region and improve the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs). Councillors considered evidence from a recent taxi demand survey and feedback from drivers and community groups before deciding on steps to strengthen taxi and private hire provision. They decided to retain the current two-zone licensing system – keeping the Dumfries Trading Zone and the existing rest-of-region zone – and to continue capping taxi licences in the Dumfries zone at 70. Councillors also approved the creation of a new licensing zone specifically for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. It will allow any licensed wheelchair-accessible taxi to operate throughout Dumfries and Galloway, rather than being limited to one area. To encourage more wheelchair-accessible taxis on the road, the council will reduce licensing fees for those vehicles. A new or renewed WAV taxi licence will cost £230, and the fee for substituting a vehicle will be £65. The committee also agreed to lobby the Scottish and UK governments for financial assistance to help taxi operators purchase and maintain wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and to help address wider challenges facing taxi and private hire services in rural areas. Councillor John Campbell said: “This is an important issue for communities across Dumfries and Galloway, particularly in relation to accessibility and the availability of taxi services. Members have considered the evidence carefully and agreed a package of measures which aims to improve wheelchair accessible provision while recognising the practical pressures facing operators. “The creation of a new zone is a significant step. It is intended to help encourage more wheelchair accessible vehicles onto the road and improve access for people who rely on those services, while retaining the current arrangements in the existing zones.”