Plan to resolve Berwick taxi loophole

Oct 27 2009 by Dave Black, The Journal

A NEW taxi licensing policy for Northumberland has been agreed in principle, in an effort to avoid a repeat of a recent controversy which sparked a High Court case.

Last year Newcastle City Council took the former Berwick Borough Council to court after Tyneside-based taxi drivers claimed their livelihoods were being threatened.

Drivers from across the UK travelled to Berwick to get their badges, with the result that more than 400 taxi drivers with plates issued in the Borders town were working for private hire firms in Newcastle and North Tyneside.

A year ago, a High Court judge ruled that Berwick Council had to consider where taxis were likely to work before issuing a licence.

Now, in response to the judgement, Northumberland County Council – which has responsibility for taxi licensing across the county – is bringing in a new system.

Its licensing and regulatory committee has agreed in principle the draft Hackney Carriage Intended Use Policy. The policy will ensure that in future licenses are only granted to those who intend to use them predominantly within the county, and standardise the way licenses are issued and regulated.