Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (copy enclosed) detailing proposals to amend conditions relating to the tipping of seats in licensed vehicles.

RESOLVED that  –

(a)       proposals to remove condition 2.1(h) contained in the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Conditions relating to the tipping of seats be supported and formal consultation commence with all licence holders thereon, and

(b)       a review of the hackney carriage vehicle specification relating to the removal of the condition relating to the tipping of seats be carried out and the findings reported back to a future meeting of the committee for consideration.

The Licensing Officer (JT) submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (previously circulated) detailing proposals to amend conditions relating to the tipping of seats in licensed vehicles.

Officers explained the reasoning behind the proposal to remove condition 2.1(h) relating to the tipping of seats in private hire vehicles to allow access and egress from the vehicle following the latest Department of Transport guidance (attached to the report) and concerns raised by operators.  In light of the impact on the hackney carriage fleet and differing vehicle specification it was recommended that a review of the hackney carriage specification be carried out and the findings reported back to a future meeting for members’ consideration.

Members considered the Department of Transport guidance and also noted that all previous private hire vehicle applications submitted to the committee because they did not fulfil condition 2.1(h) had been approved.  In terms of the timescale for the proposed hackney carriage specification review officers advised of the intention to commence the process and report back to committee as soon as possible. 

RESOLVED that  –

(a)       proposals to remove condition 2.1(h) contained in the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Conditions relating to the tipping of seats be supported and formal consultation commence with all licence holders thereon, and

(b)       a review of the hackney carriage vehicle specification relating to the removal of the condition relating to the tipping of seats be carried out and the findings reported back to a future meeting of the committee for consideration.