DUDLEY Council is to allow extensions to vehicle test dates for taxi drivers with existing MoTs.

The decision means that if a driver is due their annual vehicle inspection by the council’s licensing team it will be deferred for three months providing they have an existing MoT and no other matters pending.

Council chiefs say this will reduce the need for drivers to have to present vehicles and reduce unnecessary social contact.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, Dudley's cabinet member responsible for taxi licensing said: "This is just one of the many measures we are taking as a council to help safeguard the health of our residents and staff, while also helping to support local businesses in these challenging times."

The suspension came into effect on Monday (March 30) and officers will be contacting firms over the coming weeks to confirm how the temporary scheme will work.

Licenses can still be suspended or withdrawn if drivers break any other terms of their licensing agreement.