Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Planning, Public Protection and Regulatory Services (copy enclosed) on the review of current medical requirements for drivers and seeking the Committee’s approval for formal consultation on the proposals for implementation of Group 2 medical standards.

RESOLVED that –

(a)      officers be authorised to consult with current licensed drivers and licensed operators and proprietors on the implementation of Group 2 medical standards;

(b)      where no objections were received following the consultation period, officers be authorised to implement a requirement for Group 2 medical certificates for licensed drivers as set out in paragraph 4.5 of the report, with effect from 1 December 2023 for new applicants, and 1 June 2024 for renewal licence holders, and

(c)      where objections were raised during the consultation period, officers be instructed to prepare a report for a future Licensing Committee meeting where objections could be considered.

The Senior Licensing Officer (SLO) submitted a report (previously circulated) on the review of current medical requirements for drivers and sought the Committee’s approval for formal consultation on the proposals for implementation of Group 2 medical standards in place of the current Group 1 medical standards.

Details of the existing practice for Group 1 medical checks and proposals for Group 2 medical checks, including proposed conditions to meet the Group 2 medical standards of fitness to drive, medical forms for both groups, and cost implications had been set out in the report.  Group 2 medical standards had been implemented in 19 of the 22 local authorities in Wales (including all neighbouring authorities).  Any change to the current policy would require a consultation process with any objections being brought back before the Committee.  If no representations were received the proposed standards would come into effect at an agreed date.

The Committee noted that the proposal to move to Group 2 medical standards would bring the authority in line with other Welsh local authorities, effect policy improvement, and meet the Welsh Government proposals on taxi licensing reform.  In response to a question as to whether the proposal would deter new applicants, the SLO advised that it could prove an incentive to some drivers given that only one medical was required on first application for those under 45 and then every three years from age 45 – 65 and annually thereafter, as opposed to the existing policy which required a medical every three years for all drivers up to age 60 and annually thereafter.  She also clarified that there was no shortage of licensed drivers.

RESOLVED that –

(a)      officers be authorised to consult with current licensed drivers and licensed operators and proprietors on the implementation of Group 2 medical standards;

(b)      where no objections were received following the consultation period, officers be authorised to implement a requirement for Group 2 medical certificates for licensed drivers as set out in paragraph 4.5 of the report, with effect from 1 December 2023 for new applicants, and 1 June 2024 for renewal licence holders, and

(c)      where objections were raised during the consultation period, officers be instructed to prepare a report for a future Licensing Committee meeting where objections could be considered.