TAXI drivers will have to renew their licences annually to show that they are a fit and proper' person, under council plans.

Rossendale Council will reduce the licence renewal period from three years to one after recent investigations highlighted taxi drivers had been failing to declare recent convictions.

The move, which was approved by the council's licensing committee, comes after an amnesty revealed 19 of the 26 taxi drivers, who responded, had failed to disclose offences, which ranged from speeding to failure to comply with traffic light signals.

A recent DVLA investigation also found that of 25 randomly selected drivers, seven had convictions in the last three years and an average of six penalty points.

Rossendale Taxi Association said they were happy with the annual licence renewal but raised concerns about the increase in the cost of the renewals, which will rise by £35-a-year to £85.

Robert Back, of the taxi association, who attended the licensing meeting on Monday October 8, said: "It makes sense for safety reasons because the council have to be sure the person is fit and proper.

"We are happy with the 12 month renewal if the price is right.

"We have no problems with the 12 month licensing. It is the price which has nearly doubled which concerns us."

A council spokesperson said: "Bringing in annual licenses, which will include an annual statutory declaration, will help the council to collate more up-to-date information relating to licensed driver's current addresses, new medical details, and any convictions, cautions and fixed penalty notices there may be.

"This will help us to decide whether someone is a fit and proper person' to drive a taxi as is required by law.

"Annual licences compared to the current three-year licences are more in the interest of public safety.

"Council tax payers cannot be expected to subsidise the licensing of taxis in Rossendale.

"The proposed fees for the new annual licences reflect the extra administration time and cost to the council."

The matter will be discussed at the next cabinet meeting, who will be asked to sanction the decision.