TAXIS and private hire vehicles could face a major shake-up in the way they operate across Bolton.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham is spearheading a drive to improve standards for customers in the region in a bid to make taxis and private hire vehicles, safer, greener, more distinctive and more effective. 

Members of the public have been asked to share their views on topics including public safety, vehicle standards and driver knowledge.

The data will then be used to introduce minimum standards for all Greater Manchester authorities when issuing taxi and private hire licenses.

There will also be consultations on common taxi branding an livery so all services licenses by local authorities are easily identifiable.

The consultation exercise has been welcomed by Bolton Council's executive member for environmental services, Councillor Nick Peel who also handles licensing in the town.

He said: “Bolton Council is committed to continuing to ensure that the safety of the travelling public is at the heart of our licensing duties.

"In the last few years we have introduced a number of changes to both driver and vehicle license conditions that have led to an improvement in the overall standard. 

"There is more work to be done, and as a part of this ongoing process we will be working with other GM authorities to try to bring in a common standard, where appropriate, across the region.”

Mr Burnham is further urging Westminster to close a legal loophole allowing private hire drivers to operate in Greater Manchester, despite being licensed in areas with less stringent standards. 

The drive comes as transport bosses say the taxi and private hire sector is becoming increasingly difficult to regulate as new technology and businesses models combine with outdated legislation, causing growing problems.

Mr Burnham said: “Around 32 million trips are made in taxi and private hire vehicles in Greater Manchester every year and I want every one of those journeys to meet the same, high standard.

“Public safety needs to come first. But for a variety of reasons, the taxi and private hire trade is becoming increasingly problematic – not just locally but across the country.

“I’m calling on Government for an urgent regulatory review so we can tackle the growing problem of ‘out of town’ drivers – with lower driver and vehicle standards and no local knowledge – picking up fares in Greater Manchester.

“At best this means a poor customer experience – and at worst, it can mean real customer safety issues.

“I’m committed to supporting the local taxi and private hire trade by giving a voice to this growing national problem and calling on government to close this loophole in the law.”

Bolton Council, along with the nine other local authorities, will consult with operators and drivers later this year over changes to individual licensing standards.

A report on the proposed introduction of minimum standards for taxis and private hire vehicle licensing will go before the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on July 27.

The minimum standards would be up for regular review and could, in future, aim to reduce emissions, following installation of improved electric charging infrastructure.

There are currently 2,000 taxis, also known as black cabs or Hackney carriages, as well as 11,000 private hire vehicles licenses by the 10 Greater Manchester authorities.

To share your opinions on taxis and private hire vehicles visit www.tfgm.com/taxi-phv before August 31.