Torbay Council have granted 18 new taxi licenses to drivers who are currently in work across Torbay; this follows on from a successful recruitment initiative launched in July.
In addition to this, there are seven applications currently in progress.
The new application fee has been reduced from £349 to £50 and will expire on 31 December 2021.
Torbay Council are urging local applicants to keep coming forward to take advantage of the reduced taxi license application fee. There are 25 application spaces remaining before the end of the year.
The reduction of the fee is in response to taxi companies in Torbay experiencing a shortfall in the number of drivers in the trade. Many drivers left the trade at the height of the pandemic to find alternative employment.
As the furlough scheme comes to an end, it is hoped the reduced application fee will appeal to anyone looking to get into the trade or is thinking of a career that can offer the flexibility that driving a taxi or private hire vehicle can bring.
Cllr Christine Carter, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Community Services said; “This is really positive news for local people and Torbay visitors alike, all due to the successful response to the reduced fee initiative. To have 18 new taxi licenses allocated to drivers now working across the Bay in just three months is a great result.”
To take advantage of the reduced fee, new applicants are advised to visit: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/business/licensing/taxis/new-drivers/
Torbay Council would like to remind applicants that the discount is available on a first come first served basis; until the £50 application fee has been paid, the application is not confirmed. All those who have started the application process but are yet to complete payment are urged to do so urgently before the applications are filled.
As part of the application process a medical examination and Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check is required.
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