Rules aim to make city's taxis safer and greener

Stricter rules aimed at making taxis in Stoke-on-Trent safer and greener have been given the green light.

Under the changes made by the city council, drivers would have to undergo enhanced background checks, install CCTV cameras and notify the authority within 48 hours if they are questioned or arrested by police.

The rules would also mean only electric and hybrid taxis will be licensed by the council after April 2031, with petrol and diesel vehicles gradually phased out before then.

Taxi firm owners and drivers were consulted on the planned changes and the majority were in favour, according to the council.

The changes were approved by its cabinet on Tuesday and Councillor Chris Robinson said the measures were a "vital step in community safety".

"We don't want people to just get from A to B, we want passengers to feel safe and comfortable on their journey," he stated.

"It is fundamental the taxi firms play a part in building a safer and greener city for all, with more than 1,760 city council licensed vehicles now operating in the city each year."

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.