A Bonhill taxi driver has hit out over plans forcing cabbies to undergo medicals confirming their fitness to drive – labelling it “another level of bureaucracy”.
West Dunbartonshire Council is currently consulting over the proposals, which would see those over the age of 45 requiring to provide a medical certificate.
Any costs would be met by the applicant or licence holder, with the document required to be submitted at the time of application for grant or renewal of a licence.
The local authority says the policy would “ensure the safety of the general public and paying customers of licensed taxi and private hire car vehicles”.
They say it follows recommendations from the Scottish Government and the adoption of similar policies by most councils.
But Robert Bainbridge, of Pappert, says the plans should be abandoned.
The cabbie, who has been a taxi driver for 25 years, said: “This proposal adds to the burden of costs for operators and drivers on top of badge, plate, car repairs and insurance costs.
“The DVLA already require all drivers to inform them of any medical condition which would affect their ability to drive.
“If this is good enough for DVLA then surely it is good enough for local authorities. This would also create a problem for doctors and medics who would carry out these assessments which would be time consuming.
“Appointments would not be readily available for drivers. When it is known that these certificates are compulsory, prices would rocket. It’s another level of bureaucracy.”
He added that the extra costs of obtaining a medical certificate were not welcome while many taxi drivers were trying to recover from the effects of plummeting demand during the pandemic. It is proposed that from January 1, 2023, all existing licence holders and any new applicants would have to submit evidence that they meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards.
Certificates would be required every five years for those from the age of 45 and annually for drivers over 65.
The certificate would then be presented at the point of application either for renewal or grant and then again at the point of application following the relevant age trigger being reached.
Officers have written to drivers to notify them of the proposal and feedback received will be shared with members at a licensing committee meeting next month. A council spokeswoman said: “A report on this proposal is due to go the licensing committee in March, where it will be considered by members.”
