A SERIES of changes could be on the way for taxi drivers in the Richmondshire area - including a London-style "knowledge" test.

New tests and codes for the district’s cabbies could be introduced next year as part of plans to improve the service customers receive.

The district council is conducting a review of its hackney carriage and private hire scheme – and a new draft policy has been produced with drivers and customers asked to comment on it by the end of the year.

It includes a knowledge test – covering law and conditions and knowledge of the district and the introduction of a customer care course.

The latter would include sections on vulnerable people, disability, professional etiquette, language, equality and customer and drivers would need to complete it within 12 months of gaining a licence.

There would also be medical every five years, a dress code, the introduction of a code of conduct and the establishing of a taxi forum that would include drivers, police, the county and district councils and disability groups as well as users.

Drivers and customers are now being asked to complete a survey by December 31.

The draft policy can be viewed at richmondshire.gov.uk/licensing.

Copies are also available in council offices in Richmond, Leyburn, Reeth, Hawes and Colburn.