Image Source: Google Earth, taken November 2022
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Bridgend Council’s Licensing Committee has agreed to launch a consultation on proposed changes to the taxi MOT testing and compliance policy (pdf).
Two proposed changes have been put forward:
- Taxi/private hire MOT testing and compliance checks continue to be done “in-house” at Bridgend Council’s Ty Thomas vehicle maintenance centre (pictured).
- Taxi/private hire MOT tests and compliance checks can be undertaken at any DVSA-approved MOT garage.
Some of the advantages of continuing in-house testing include consistent standards, better monitoring and recording of faults, and that it currently generates income for the council (£46,000 per year).
The disadvantages include limited availability of slots for testing, reduced flexibility for the taxi/private hire sector (including more competitive fees), and faults can’t be repaired at Ty Thomas.
The county’s taxi and private hire vehicle sector petitioned the council to open up MOT testing November 2022.
In March 2025, the Cabinet delegated authority to the Licensing Committee to decide whether to make any changes to the policy.
During the meeting, committee members were told that a previous consultation “didn’t go anywhere” due to legal issues tied to the council’s contract with Ty Thomas.
