Taxi firm's bid for renewed licence for 'too old' van

A taxi firm has asked for a new licence permission, despite the vehicle being older than the council allows.

Economical Taxis, based in Flookburgh, near Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria, has a Ford Tourneo Custom 300, which was first registered in April 2014.

The van has been licensed since 13 April of that year, but Westmorland and Furness Council policy is for hackney carriage and private hire vehicles to be no older than a decade.

A letter accompanying Economical Taxis' application said it knew the vehicle did not meet the current taxi policy because of its age, but it was "in very good condition".

"We are a small business which has been operating for over 30 years and we serve our local community, most of which are elderly and rely on us to take them places such as doctors, hospitals and shopping," it said.

The letter added the safety of their clients is "most important" to the company.

Taxi companies and drivers can apply for the council to grant a licence contrary to the vehicle age limit policy if it is satisfied the vehicle is suitable in type, size and design and in a suitable mechanical condition.

The licensing officer noted in a report on the application that previous regulatory sub-committees in September 2024 and 2025 allowed the age limit policy to be dispensed with for 12 months in respect of the van, meaning this is the third application for it.

A decision will be made at Kendal Town Hall on 4 September.

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