Age limit for taxi vehicles scrapped

Fare deal There will be no age limits on taxis and private hire vehicles in East Renfrewshire after council decision

- DREW SANDELANDS, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

Age limits for taxi and private hire vehicles in East Renfrewshire have been scrapped to help drivers as they deal with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

Restrictions meant no vehicle over five years old could be licensed for the first time - and no vehicle older than 10 years could remain licensed.

But campaigners from trade bodies called on East Renfrewshire Council to change its policy, arguing it was outdated and costly for workers.

At a meeting, the council's licensing committee agreed to remove limits for all private hire cars and taxis working in the area, however, they will still need to pass annual inspections and MOTs.

It is believed the need to spend on new vehicles has acted as a deterrent to drivers renewing their licences and reduced availability for residents, a council report stated.