Cabbies in Calderdale face strict new rules including local knowledge tests as part of tough regulations to be introduced soon.

Medicals are likely to be toughened up and there would be compulsory driving tests for cabbies who committed motoring offences.

In Calderdale, the extra tests will begin on April 1 for cabbies who already have six or more penalty points on their licences and go on to reach nine penalty points within the next three years.

The cabbies could continue to work pending a driving test. But if the driver failed the test there would be immediate suspension until it was passed.

In Bradford, drivers are required to appear before the licensing panel once they reach nine points.

Calderdale drivers currently undergo medicals when they apply for licences and at regular intervals after their 50th birthdays.

But now the House of Commons Select Committee on Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles has made more stringent recommendations on medicals, which have been adopted by Bradford and the other West Yorkshire councils.

They mean no-one can get a licence without passing a tougher medical than the one required for car drivers.

Bradford and Leeds Councils have local knowledge tests for cabbies but there are none in Kirklees or Wakefield.

The age limit for the 1,016 private hire vehicles and 207 Hackney carriages in Calderdale is currently ten years. But it is likely to be halved to five, in line with Bradford, Leeds and Wakefield Councils. Kirklees Council has a maximum of four years.

Purpose-built wheelchair-accessible cabs could be kept in service for up to eight years, however.

Today Councillor Colin Stout, a member of Brighouse Road Safety Committee for 30 years, said the proposals were long overdue.

The Independent Brighouse ward councillor said: "I believe this will make passengers a lot more confident about using taxis.

"The lack of local knowledge means people are taken all round the houses and have to pay extra fares.

"The new test will be like an advanced driving test and I think it is absolutely right that it should be brought in."

A spokesman for Calderdale Council said the new rules were to be considered by its cabinet and the full council and would bring the district basically in line with other authorities.

Mohammed Iqbal, proprietor of Brighouse Cars, Woods Private Hire and New Lux Taxis, all in Brighouse, said the Council should tighten up and high driving standards were important.

"There should be a local knowledge test but it should be reasonable," he said.