Contenders step up to the

the entitlement to drive applies to those who have submitted their re-applications six weeks prior to licence termination.

Licensing officer Anthony Chawama said it was being exploited by some drivers who were leaving their re-applications to the last minute.

A series of other issues were raised at the meeting as well.

Drivers must attend in person safeguarding courses each time they obtain a licence. The association asked for this course to be done online after the first one.

Officer Mason said the sessions are a statutory requirement, but online courses could be looked into.

He added that drivers will be notified to attend a safeguarding course on the third year of their licence, giving them 11 months to attend ready for their renewal.

Drivers also require a DBS check to trade.

Mr Saddiq questioned the need for roof signs and side panels, which is to distinguish them from hackney carriages.

Officer Mason said the council’s licensing team was willing to hear proposals.

Mr Saddiq also asked for more clarity on penalties. A driver’s licence will be suspended for 14 days if they acquire 12 points on their licence.

Officer Mason explained that penalties are kept on record for four years, but no longer apply if there are no infractions after 12 months.

The meeting of the Reading Private Hire Association occurred on Tuesday, February 7.