Taxi plates to reduce in size after vote
At a recent cross party licensing committee meeting members were asked to approve a reduction in the size ofolicence plates on the front of taxis and hackney carriages to avoid further anti-social behaviour and criminal damage towards taxis when they are out and about on jobs.
Crompton Liberal Democrat Councillor Hamblett previously asked for an equality impact assessment as he felt residents with sight impairment or other vision problems were being unduly missed out at the last committee meeting.
The committee that met on the 28th of February 2023 were split 5 for and 5 against, with the chair using their casting vote to approve the reduction in size.
Councillor Hamblett, who is also the Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “It doesn’t feel very resident focused of them to choose to side with drivers who don’t or rarely report incidents to licensing. I find it worrying how members can base a decision on just four cases of ASB. I am still concerned about the impact this reductinon in size will have for residents with sight impairment.”
He added: “I am at least pleased that it was a cross-political meeting and members on all sides were prepared to look at the issue, rather than just vote on party lines."