Licence delays 'leaving taxi drivers out of work'

A private hire taxi driver has told how he has been left without any income due to delays in a licensing system.

Tony, who has been a taxi driver in Knowsley, Merseyside, for nearly 40 years, said he was told he would have to wait almost 10 weeks after his licence expired in April.

He said the problem has come from a change in the law in 2015, which allows private hire drivers to get a licence from any local authority, regardless of where they live, swamping demand.

A Knowsley Council representative admitted there is currently a high demand for mandatory MOT tests and advised taxi drivers to book "in good time".

Tony said he had tried to book a test the week before his licence expired in April, but was told the earliest date for a test and renewal was 23 June.

Drivers also have to undergo routine medical checks and background checks.

"I know there are people where taxi driving isn't their full-time job but mine is a full-time job," he said.

"To me it's unfair to drivers who are operating legitimately in the area that they're licensed to operate in."

He said he was having to find other work while he is waiting for his test.

Knowsley Council currently has three test bays and three full-time testers for taxi MOTs.

The authority said drivers are sent a reminder giving 90 days notice of their vehicle's licence expiry date.

"There is high demand for tests, which make it more difficult for drivers to get availability at short notice.

"But our figures indicate that there is enough capacity in the system, provided drivers book in good time and vehicles are well prepared ahead of their test," a spokesman said.

Any driver unable to work as a result of being unable to get a test has been advised to contact the council.

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