The Oswego Common Council has approved amendments to its taxi cab laws that lawmakers say will improve public safety.
The new resolution adopted Monday night establishes a "good moral character" clause to help city officials determine who can get a license to drive a cab in the city. It spells out what crimes could preclude someone from obtaining a license, such as murder, rape, sexual abuse of a minor, child pornography and others.
"Ultimately, the good moral character is for the protection of the public," said Councilman John Gosek, who sponsored the resolution. "It goes back to safety. We want to know who’s behind the wheel."
The Oswego chief of police would ultimately make the decision about who's approved to drive a taxi on a case-by-case basis.
Other changes to the law include lowering the taxi licensing fees and allowing drivers to pick up multiple parties if their customers consent.
