Plan to remove taxi zone restrictions amid changes

Westmorland and Furness Council said it wanted to bring rules in line across all areas

Plans to remove taxi zone restrictions are among changes proposed to abolish differences in services across the south of Cumbria.

Westmorland and Furness Council has launched a consultation on plans to harmonise taxi services in the former Eden, Furness and South Lakeland authority areas, which it replaced in April 2023.

Currently, drivers can only apply for a licence within one of the former council districts, but proposed changes would allow them to operate across all three.

Stricter rules would also be brought in to ensure sustainability standards and vehicle safety.

New taxis licenced from April would need to meet Euro 6 emissions, the Liberal Democrat-led council said.

Vehicles older than eight years would also have to undergo up to three MOT tests per year.

A special licence would also be created at a lower fee, specifically for drivers to carry out school transport and social care contract work on behalf of the council.

The service would "help increase the number of drivers available for these vital community services", the authority said.

Councillor John Murray, cabinet member for transport, said taxis and private hire vehicles were a "vital" part of transport across the rural patch.

"The changes we're proposing will support professional, responsible drivers, improve the travelling experience for passengers, and help us move towards a more sustainable future for our communities," he added.

The consultation is available on the council's website, where details of in-person consultation events can also be found.

It runs until 23 November and the results will be presented to the council, as part of a report in January.