Guildford's First Newly Licensed, White 'Black Cab'
Published: 15th March 2005
Guildford’s first brand new TXII wheelchair accessible purpose built taxi, on a new Hackney Carriage plate issued by Guildford Borough Council, has taken to the road - with more set to follow.
The bright white TXII has been purchased from LTI Vehicles dealer Smith & Humphrey by Neil Crane, a driver of taxis in Guildford for more than 15 years.
The arrival of the new TXII follows Guildford Borough Council’s decision to end limits on the number of Hackney Carriage licences.
The decision came after extensive lobbying by the local taxi trade, who were keen for the highest standards of vehicle quality, safety and accessibility to be offered to the fare-paying public. They therefore recommended that if the Council were to issue new licences, these should only be given to wheelchair accessible taxis of the highest standard.
As a result of the trade’s lobbying, the Council opted for the most stringent safety standards – European Whole Vehicle Type Approval - to which all European vehicle manufacturers have to adhere. This ensures a continuity in the high levels of vehicle quality and safety in Guildford’s taxi fleet.
The decision has been welcomed by the Access which represents the interests of those with disability in the Borough of Guildford.
Neil Crane commented: "I’ve driven both purpose built taxis and saloon cars during my career but have to say the TXII is the best vehicle I have driven as a taxi. It’s comfortable, powerful and great to drive - and the passengers like it. Best of all is that it’s British built!"
Colin Case of Smith & Humphrey added: "Guildford Borough Council’s decision to adopt European Whole Vehicle Type Approval is a vital one as it ensures that all Hackney Carriages in the Borough offer the highest possible levels of safety for both drivers and passengers.
"The alternative, Low Volume Type Approval, would have meant a lowering of overall standards, as these regulations are less stringent than those required by saloon cars which to date have formed the majority of Guildford’s fleet.
"The drive from among the taxi trade and local licensing authorities for high vehicle standards is being mirrored across the country with European Whole Vehicle Type Approval increasingly being adopted as the recognised standard for safety for Hackney Carriages."
