Type=image;ImageID=1671;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Taxi Driver Paul Blunt and Cabinet Member for City Services Councillor John Reynolds;TitleClass=strong;
Wolverhampton City Council's Licensing Committee has given the green light to plans to allow black cab and private hire drivers the chance to have their cars tested at approved VOSA garages across the city.
Previously, drivers had to have their car safety tests carried out at the authority's own depot in Culwell Street, with set charges of £62 for Hackney Carriages and £57 for private hire vehicles.
But the new arrangements mean that drivers can shop around and get the best possible price from a garage in the city centre.
The change came about after discussions with taxi and private hire operators to look at ways to help them reduce costs.
While the Culwell Street depot tests the 150 Hackney Carriages and 570 private hire cars that the authority licences, it does not carry out any necessary repairs.
Now, drivers can get MOT tests at 14 approved garages, along with any rectification works being completed on site.
The vehicles are then inspected by licensing officers at the civic centre to ensure that the condition of the body work and interior is appropriate and that licensing requirements for the vehicle, such as signage, are being complied with.
Councillor John Reynolds, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for City Services, said: "This is an excellent example of how we are trying to help the taxi and private hire trade during these tough economic times.
"Representatives from the trade met with us and highlighted this as a potential way in which we can help them reduce costs and we listened.
"It also makes it a lot more convenient for them to be able to go to a garage of their choice at a time that suits them.
And, by opening up to garages across Wolverhampton, we are giving a boost to a number of traders across the city. This is positive news all round."
James Sharma, Proprietor of Wednesfield Radio Cars, said: "This is a great help to us and we appreciate the council sat down with us and listened.
"Quite simply, this new scheme is far better, far quicker and far fairer for all of us."
- released: Monday 1 July, 2013