The impact of mandatory daily walkaround checks on the UK taxi industry

By Matt Cotton, Managing Director, AssetGo

The City of Wolverhampton Council's recent decision to introduce mandatory daily walkaround checks for taxi drivers as part of their licencing requirements marks a continued shift in the transport industry. With the council being a major licensing authority in the UK, responsible for thousands of private hire licences, their decision has grabbed the attention of the wider transport sector. It follows the city councils of Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dundee – all of whom have implemented mandatory daily walkaround checks as part of their taxi licence agreements. Other councils across the country are set to follow, recognising the potential safety, operational and environmental benefits these checks bring.

The question many taxi drivers and firms now face is - how do these regulations impact operations and what can be done to ensure compliance, especially for those relying on self-employed drivers? The consequences of failing to comply with these new requirements are severe, potentially leading to the loss of an operator’s licence—an outcome no business can afford to risk.

The importance of daily walkaround checks

The implementation of daily walkaround checks for taxis is part of a broader effort to improve road safety, reduce emissions and ensure that vehicles are fit for purpose. This means that taxi drivers must now perform a routine inspection of their vehicle at the beginning of each shift. These checks ensure that critical components such as lights, tyres, brakes and mirrors are functioning correctly and that the vehicle is roadworthy.

For private hire drivers, this might feel like an additional burden in an already demanding profession. However, these checks serve an essential purpose—ensuring that passengers are being transported in safe and reliable vehicles. More than just a legal obligation, they offer a layer of protection for drivers themselves, as identifying and addressing minor issues early can prevent costly repairs or accidents down the line.

The risks of non-compliance

For taxi firms, particularly those that rely on self-employed drivers, the implications of non-compliance can be severe. The City of Wolverhampton Council has made it clear that failing to carry out these checks or producing inaccurate records can lead to the suspension or withdrawal of a firm’s operator licence. This poses a significant risk, especially for firms that do not have direct control over the vehicles being operated. Self-employed drivers are technically responsible for maintaining their own vehicles, but the firm they are contracted with still bears some responsibility for ensuring that vehicles are safe and compliant with regulations. Taxi firms, therefore, need to be proactive in creating processes that enable drivers to easily perform and document these checks.

Fleet management systems - a solution for compliance

One of the biggest challenges for taxi firms is how to efficiently manage and verify that their self-employed drivers are completing their daily walkaround checks. For firms managing a large number of vehicles and drivers, the logistics of ensuring compliance can be daunting. However, fleet management systems like AssetGo can play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge. A digital fleet management system provides taxi firms with a streamlined solution for monitoring vehicle compliance and performance. With a system like AssetGo, taxi firms can easily set up digital forms for daily walkaround checks, which drivers can complete directly from their mobile devices. This not only simplifies the process for the drivers but also provides taxi firms with real-time visibility into the compliance of their fleet.

The benefits of fleet management for taxi firms

1. Accountability and transparency - One of the primary benefits of using a fleet management system is the ability to maintain accurate and auditable records. With AssetGo, every completed check is automatically recorded, time-stamped and stored digitally. This makes it easy for firms to demonstrate compliance in the event of an audit by the council. Additionally, in the case of any incidents, firms can provide proof that their drivers are following the required safety protocols.
2. Efficiency for self-employed drivers - Self-employed drivers, who often juggle multiple responsibilities, need tools that are intuitive and easy to use. A fleet management system provides them with a straightforward platform to complete their checks without the need for cumbersome paperwork. The user-friendly nature of AssetGo means drivers can complete their walkaround checks quickly and efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to their workday.
3. Proactive maintenance - Fleet management systems go beyond simple compliance. With real-time data collection, taxi firms can monitor the health of their vehicles and address issues before they become major problems. For example, if multiple drivers flag a recurring issue with a specific vehicle, the system can alert the firm to schedule necessary maintenance, preventing breakdowns and avoiding potential safety hazards.
4. Increased operational control - For taxi firms with contracted self-employed drivers, keeping track of vehicle safety can be challenging. With AssetGo, firms can see which drivers have completed their checks, identify any missed inspections and take immediate action to ensure compliance. This level of control is critical to avoiding potential penalties from the council and ensuring the long-term viability of the business.

Preparing for a nationwide trend

The changes introduced by the councils of Wolverhampton, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dundee have set a precedent for all licensing authorities across the UK. Taxi firms and drivers should prepare for the possibility that similar regulations may soon be implemented in their areas. By adopting a proactive approach now, firms can ensure that they are ahead of the curve and ready to comply with any future mandates.

Introducing a fleet management system like AssetGo not only helps ensure compliance with daily walkaround checks but also promotes a culture of safety and accountability within the taxi industry. Taxi firms that equip their drivers with the right tools are better positioned to navigate these changes, reduce risk and ultimately protect their business from the costly consequences of non-compliance.

An opportunity for improvement

Wolverhampton’s new mandate for daily vehicle checks is another significant development for the taxi industry, and its implications will be felt by taxi firms and drivers alike. While the requirements may seem burdensome at first, they are an opportunity for firms to improve their operational standards, enhance vehicle safety, and protect their business. By implementing fleet management systems like AssetGo, taxi firms can ensure that their self-employed drivers are equipped to meet these new regulations, safeguarding their operator licences and maintaining compliance.

The future of taxi operations is evolving and those who embrace the change will be in a better position to succeed.