Taxi drivers in Dundee have been told they will put their livelihoods at risk if they delay completing driver training.
Each of the city’s 1,300 or so taxi drivers have to pass the training by May 2017 or face revocation of their licences.
While a number of drivers have already passed the training, many others have still to complete an accepted course amidst rumours that it is not essential.
Others have apparently held back, claiming that it is too expensive or even that it is against their human rights.
Other drivers have described the training requirement as “a disgrace”, with one commenting that after 30 years in the trade they were being forced to “pay for the privilege of learning what to do with dirty water after I’ve cleaned my car”.
But Dundee City Council believes that the training will add a new level of professionalism to the trade and has warned drivers that no-one is exempt.
Licensing committee convener Councillor Stewart Hunter said: “I would urge taxi drivers to get on one of these courses as soon as possible.”
Mr Hunter stressed that the council would not accept applications for licence renewals unless drivers have completed the training.
Dundee City Council has also made it clear that the cost of the course is not a reasonable excuse for non-completion as ILAs are available to defray as much as £200, while the cost can also be claimed back against tax.
Broughty Ferry councillor Laurie Bidwell said: “I am very pleased that there appears to be increased capacity for training.
“We have given people plenty of notice, but the longer we go on and taxi drivers are still holding back, the more difficult it will be to secure a place on a training course.
“It takes a while to complete the training and it is not something that large numbers of drivers can expect to complete in the last few months.”
Full details of the approved courses and the “benefits of the training” are available on Dundee City Council’s website.