Derby City Council’s proposed changes to taxi licensing could severely impact private hire taxi owners, with the GMB Union warning that hundreds of drivers may lose their livelihoods.
The council’s plan aims to reduce the maximum age for licensable vehicles from 15 to just 5 years, potentially forcing many drivers to use older vehicles out of business. This move would set Derby apart from neighbouring cities like Nottingham, which allows taxis up to 10 years old.
GMB Regional Organiser Craig Thomson voiced concerns that the council’s approach, focused on reaching green city targets, unfairly burdens local taxi drivers without sufficient consultation. He called for the council to work with drivers and unions to develop a more balanced plan. This shift in policy could disrupt the daily operations of a vital service for the local community, putting many businesses at risk.
