MOTs for taxi drivers in Aylesbury Vale

Archived press release

Date Published: 15/09/10

Taxi and private hire drivers in Aylesbury Vale will have to undergo a full-body MOT to prove that they are fit to get behind the wheel.

New and existing drivers will be given the once-over under new legislation approved by Aylesbury Vale District Council’s licensing committee on 13 September.

Anyone applying or re-applying to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle in the district from January 2011 will need to produce a medical certificate. The medical checks will have to be carried out by the driver’s doctor at the driver’s expense.

The decision follows a government recommendation from the Department for Transport to carry out more stringent health checks on taxi and private hire drivers.

Previously, taxi and private hire drivers in the Vale have not been obliged to complete any health checks until the age of 65.

The new medical includes checking their vision and general physical condition to make sure they are fit to drive. It will also be looking for things like on-going disabilities and heart conditions.

Wycombe, South Bucks and Chiltern district councils have already introduced similar measures.

Taxi and private-hire car operators and drivers were consulted on the proposals during the summer.

Councillor Judy Brandis, Chairman of the Licensing Committee, said: “The sedentary nature of taxi driving, shift patterns and eating on the go means it is vital to work with drivers to make them aware of the importance of good health. It is essential that taxi drivers are in good health, because their passengers’ safety is in their hands. It is in the interests of the public as well as the drivers to have these medicals in place to make sure we have done all we can to ensure that the public has as safe and secure a journey as possible.”

Notes to editors:

This decision is subject to the approval of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Health.