Plymouth taxi drivers may not have to pass knowledge test

Private hire taxi drivers may no longer have to pass a local knowledge test

Some of Plymouth's taxi drivers may no longer have to pass a local knowledge test in efforts to encourage more people into the trade.

The city council's cabinet supported plans to remove the KOP (knowledge of Plymouth) test for private hire drivers on Monday.

With sat-nav systems available to drivers, some councillors view the KOP test unnecessary.

Livery rules may also be scrapped in changes that could begin in April.

Hackney carriages, which can be flagged down for hire or are available on rank, will need to take the KOP test, unless they have previously been a private hire driver for more than three years.

Hackney carriages in Plymouth could lose their green and white livery under a council proposal

In a public consultation, 25% of respondents supported the scrapping of the KOP test.

More than 80% of people agreed that the distinctive green and white livery should be scrapped because it was "too expensive" for the trade.

Drivers would continue to display an official door sign.

The suggested changes are aimed at encouraging more taxi drivers into the business.

Councillor Sally Hayden, cabinet member for community safety, said there were increasing reports of people unable to get taxis home from nights out or to and from work.

The Plymouth-based Violence Against Women and Girls Commission said that fewer taxis had an impact on the perceived safety of people.

After hearing reports of young women unable to find taxis after a night out, councillor Jemima Laing said: "We want to do anything we can to encourage more people into the trade."

If approved by the council, the changes would come into force on 1 April.