Taxi Driver Regulations Effect From 1st April

Recently there have been a lot of new rules and regulations set up for taxi drivers and taxi companies. While most of them have only been put in place by local councils and not nationally enforced, it can make a huge impact should your company be affected. One such change is the new rules for taxi drivers in Derbyshire.

The Derbyshire District Council has agreed to put in place new requirements for anyone seeking to get a taxi drivers license. These requirements include tests on the Highway Code, local geography and even a written English test. The council says this move is all about increasing standards of local taxi firms. Yet is it just another setback for the taxi companies?

A majority of local firms do agree with the new regulations on drivers, and the council has agreed to mark all vehicles that receive the new license with a council insignia on their doors. This increases local trust in the company, knowing they have passed the regulations. However the council has gone one step further, introducing rules that newly licensed vehicles must be less than three years old.

This is a sensitive issue that some taxi drivers are strongly opposed to, as shown in the recent Newport taxi driver demonstration. Business owners are worried that by being forced to only use new vehicles it means far greater expenditure. Not only will the new vehicles cost more, but their taxi insurance premiums will be higher as a result. These regulations come in to force from the 1st of April.

Make the Most of Christmas Festivities

Christmas Taxi

One of the busiest times of the year has already began in earnest. Make the most of Christmas festivities and have your taxi in tip top condition inside and out!

There is some truth to be said that generating more custom can be attributed by ‘word of mouth’. Having a neat and tidy taxi will have the potential for returning customers who may also pass your number onto their friends and increase your work load. More work undoubtedly means more income, so get the proverbial snow ball rolling and greet the New Year in profit!

What makes your taxi service better than your competitors? Having a clean interior will make an impact on people’s initial perception of your services- dirty cab implies a sloppy attitude!

It’s important to remember that you may not be able to be very selective with your customers, but they can be very selective with which taxi they use! Your own attitude will also have an impact on people recommending you to others!

Being helpful and friendly goes along way with most people. Business cards can be obtained very inexpensively. Give out your card to all new customers to save them having to look you up in the phone book next time they need a taxi. Having a business card also shows professionalism, it informs people that you are serious about your work. Make sure you display your taxi license at all times, failure to do so and you may find yourself in court facing fines!

Above all make sure you have the correct taxi insurance. Having Public Liability included within the policy is well worth the additional cost at this busy time of the year.