Plans to relax the age restrictions on electric taxis in Mid Sussex have been supported by the district council’s licensing committee.
The council’s Taxi Licensing Policy states that vehicles over ten years of age will not be licensed. But the committee has recommended that the age limit be increased to 15 years for electric vehicles.
Supporting the proposal, Councillor Simon Hicks said the change would be fairer to drivers with electric vehicles.
He added: “Electric vehicles have fewer mechanical wear points, are cheaper to run and deliver environmental benefits in line with our net zero aspirations and the sustainable economic policy strategy of this council.”
The discussion came about after the council was contacted by driver Baiju Cherukattu Paily.
Mr Paily pointed out that moving to an electric car had been ‘a significant decision’ for him from both a financial and environmental position.
He added that the ten-year licensing limit placed ‘considerable pressure’ on drivers as electric cars were more expensive and it took longer to recover the initial investment in the vehicle.
Concerned that the licensing limit would discourage drivers from moving over to more environmentally friendly vehicles, he added: “Allowing a limited extension for well-maintained electric vehicles that continue to pass all safety inspections could support both environmental objectives and the sustainability of drivers who have invested in cleaner vehicles.”
The vehicle age limit has been in place for eight years, reviewed and consulted on three times, with no amendments being made.
Neighbouring authorities such as Arun, Adur, Rother, Wealden and Brighton & Hove all have a 15-year limit for electric vehicles, while there are no age restrictions in Chichester.
In accordance with the council’s constitution, the change of policy does not require public consultation or council approval and has been agreed by the assistant director for communities.
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