COUNCILLORS have rejected a plan to ease background checks on taxi drivers.
Cabbies currently have to renew their licence with Kirklees Council every year.
According to a council document an un-named “trade representative” had asked Kirklees to use the same system as Wakefield Council.
Taxi drivers are allowed to choose between a one-year, two-year or three-year licence.
But Kirklees Licensing and Safety Committee yesterday rejected the proposal.
Denby Dale Conservative Clr Jim Dodds said: “I’m all in favour of keeping the present system.
“If we made this change, a driver could commit a crime six months into a three-year licence and we wouldn’t know about it for two-and-a-half years.
“The important thing for us is the safety of the public.”
Liversedge and Gomersal Conservative Clr Derrick Yates added: “It’s a privilege to have a taxi licence, it isn’t a right.”
Heckmondwike Labour man Clr Steve Hall also spoke against the proposal, saying: “We’re responsible for public safety in Kirklees. I would keep things nice and simple by renewing every year.”
The committee voted unanimously to keep the annual renewal system.
