'Don't panic' volunteers urged
Volunteer drivers who act as good Samaritans, transport-ing the elderly, sick and disabled around the region for little recompense have been urged not to panic about new legislation which is changing the way some vehicles used for such purposes have to be licensed.
But they have been encoura-ged to talk to their local groups and associations in the run-up to the law change later this year which will see some drivers and cars subject to stricter controls.
The new law dictates that private hire vehicles and drivers must have a Criminal Records Bureau check, a medical test, an operator's licence, a test which is stricter than an MoT test and a special licence plate - all of which would cost an average of around £200 a year.
The changes have been brought about because of concerns about iniquities in the taxi and private hire industry, which has allowed some businesses to exploit loopholes in the law and avoid checks on their drivers and vehicles.
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