Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (copy enclosed) informing members of the result of the consultation on the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Policy.

RESOLVED that –

(a)       the proposed policy be amended to reflect the changes as discussed and agreed during the meeting, and

(b)       officers be instructed to carry out further consultation with interested parties and to take account of any representations received in the final version of the policy that will be presented at a future meeting of the County Council.

The Licensing Officer submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (previously circulated) informing members of the result of the consultation on the proposed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Policy.

Details of the eight week consultation period had been provided together with representations received; the majority of responses had been positive with few areas of contention.  Taking into account the consultation responses a number of options had been proposed for members to consider further which had been detailed in Appendix D to the main report.

Members discussed each of those areas of the policy as follows –

(1)  Hackney Carriage Colour Stipulation

Councillor Hugh Irving fully supported the proposal to impose a colour stipulation advising that such an approach worked well in other countries and improved the whole street scene.  Taking into account the reservations expressed regarding a black colour stipulation he suggested that an alternative colour be considered.  During debate there was little support from other members to impose a colour requirement, particularly given the cost of implementing such a condition and whether that cost should fall to the local authority or hackney carriage proprietor.  It was considered that money would be better spent ensuring passenger safety including vehicle maintenance.  Upon being put to the vote it was agreed that the proposed colour stipulation for hackney carriages be removed.

(2)  Age of Licensed Vehicles new to fleet

Given the onset of new technology and extended warranties provided for vehicles it was agreed to support the proposal to increase the age limit for new to fleet vehicles for hackney carriage purposes to 5 years (in line with private hire vehicles).

(3)  Maximum age of Licensed Vehicles on fleet

The merits of imposing a maximum age limit was considered.  In light of the regular MOT and Compliance Testing regime for licensed vehicles it was agreed to retain the proposal for a 10 year age limit for hackney carriage vehicles and 12 year age limit for private hire vehicles.

(4)  Trailers

Members agreed there was merit in allowing trailers for private hire vehicles, particularly for transporting luggage during airport runs when the fare had been pre-booked and the need for a trailer was known.  However the use of trailers by hackney carriages was considered inappropriate on a taxi rank.  The issue of training drivers was also discussed and it was agreed to consider accepting trailers for private hire vehicles only and also to consider whether relevant training would be required for those drivers currently exempt from the need to pass the DVLA driver trailer entitlement.

(5)  Wheelchair accessible

Members noted that most wheelchair accessible taxis were purpose built and whilst noting the merits of stipulating wheelchair accessible as a condition, overall members felt that such a requirement would be too restrictive.  Consequently it was agreed not to support a proposal for all hackney carriage vehicles to be wheelchair accessible.

The Licensing Officer drew members’ attention to late representations received in response to the vehicle policy review which had been circulated to members the previous day.  Members agreed that those late representations be dealt with as part of the next consultation phase.  The Passenger Transport Manager referred to his written representations and highlighted that any changes to the existing policy could impact on the school transport budget.

RESOLVED that –

(a)       the proposed policy be amended to reflect the changes as discussed and agreed during the meeting, and

(b)       officers be instructed to carry out further consultation with interested parties and to take account of any representations received in the final version of the policy that will be presented at a future meeting of the County Council.