Would-be taxi drivers could have to scrap ageing vehicles and face up to mandatory criminal record checks as a proposed licensing shake-up is set to be given the green-light.
If the proposals are approved, from April 2021 no new licences would be granted in North Tyneside for vehicles more than four years old.
Meanwhile, existing licences will require a vehicle less than eight years old for any future renewals in 2023.
Electric and zero-emission vehicles will be exempt from these age standards.
Other key changes would see the introduction of online applications and mandatory sign ups to the DBS update service.
The authority currently licenses around 183 taxis, 1030 Private Hire Vehicles, 1097 drivers and 23 operators in the borough.
North Tyneside Council says the proposals aim to ensure the safety and welfare of the public, encourage environmental sustainability and ensure efficient taxi and private hire services in the borough.
Coun Carole Burdis, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety and engagement, said: “We are committed to ensuring that, here in North Tyneside, we have taxis and private hire cars that work well for our residents, businesses and our local environment.
“These plans allow us to ensure the safety and welfare of our residents who use taxis, while also supporting our commitment to maintaining a healthy environment in North Tyneside.”
Following an eight-week consultation where almost 100 local drivers, residents and businesses shared their views on the revised policy, the plans are expected to be approved by cabinet on Monday.
This comes after North Tyneside Council voted to join Newcastle, Northumberland, Gateshead and Sunderland in declaring a climate emergency in July.
The authority is currently pressing on with its commitment to half its carbon footprint by 2027 and aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.
