A taxi driver in Oldham has slammed what he says is an 'unfair' and 'penalising' rule for drivers in the borough.

The driver, who has worked for more than 20 years in Oldham, claims self-employed private and hackney cab drivers are put out of pocket every year by a policy that is unique to the borough.

He says the problem is brought by the fact Oldham's Licencing office runs a "limited service", being open only 15 hours a week while catering to nearly 2,700 drivers.

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He said: "This limited availability is causing significant problems for us as drivers."

However, "the most pressing issue" is Oldham's two-day plate collection policy.

Drivers are required to hand over their licence while their cars are being MOT tested, yet drivers can only collect their licence after a waiting period of two days - and with the office being closed on Fridays and Mondays, drivers are left for days at a time without being able to earn.

He explained: "It is essential we are ready for work. Our vehicle is the means of our income and, if it is fit for purpose, [the office hours] should not be the reason we are unable to drive.

"Any vehicle which is licensed or being licensed requires two tests a year, one at the beginning and one in between.

"The second test does not require us to attend the office as the plates are annually issued.

"It’s the first or renewal where the problem lies, especially if you have a test on a Thursday or Friday due to the two-day policy.

"The office being closed Friday and Monday means Tuesday is the earliest to collect plates, causing drivers off the road for nearly four days during the most critical earning period.

"For many of us, this time off the road directly impacts our income."

The driver said working in the borough is largely a "rewarding job", adding: "You help your community to get to work, schools, appointments and best of all, to the airport for holidays.

"We do suffer anti-social behaviour and yobs damaging our vehicles from time to time, and part of the job we work in-sociable hours away from family quality time."

However, he claimed Oldham Council's licencing office and the two-plate policy are adversely affecting their livelihoods and wellbeing in the trade.

The driver continued: "The mental health toll caused by this uncertainty is immense.

"The stress of not being able to provide for our families, while still having to pay for insurance and radio rent without earning anything, adds to the burden."

He said taxi drivers have been "promised" that the issue would be addressed, "yet nothing has changed".

He continued: "It seems that those responsible for these delays are not affected in the same way and do not feel the uncertainty that we do.

"This lack of accountability is unacceptable in any workplace.

"I urge immediate action to introduce same-day service for any vehicle that has passed its MOT.

"Delays and inefficiencies like this are unfair and unjust to those of us who rely on our vehicles to earn a living.

"Most Greater Manchester councils have same-day or one-day collections for plates.

"There are a few who have similar rules to Oldham."

In response, councillor Elaine Taylor, Cabinet Member for Decent Homes, said: “We are sorry to hear these concerns and we appreciate the important service our taxi and private hire trade provide to Oldham residents and visitors.

“We know that it impacts drivers where there are delays in processing applications or licence plates after tests have been completed, which is why we are hiring more staff, so that the office can be open for longer and so that we can process plates quicker.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with the trade to address their concerns while ensuring compliance with licensing requirements."

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk