Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Licensing and Registration which sets out the recommendations of a Working Group formed to  examine the previously approved policies in respect of:-

·  Wheel Chair Accessible Vehicle’s (WAV) age criteria for 5/6/7 passenger seat vehicle.

·  Immediate suspensions policy – plying for hire.

·  Taxi & Private Hire Licensing decision making framework.

·  Other issues raised in the Working Group – bonnet stickers on Private Hire Vehicle’s and developing a web based Taxi & Private Hire Licensing enforcement and decisions page.

(Report attached)

The Head of Licensing and Registration submitted a report which set out the recommendations of the Working Group formed to examine the previously approved policies in respect of:

• Vehicle age criteria – 5/6/7 seater Hackney Carriage wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV’s)
• Immediate suspension policy – plying for hire
• Taxi & Private Hire Licensing decision making framework

The Section Head, Taxi and Private Hire Licensing presented the report and responded to Members questions and queries

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report which included:

• Vehicle age criteria – 5/6/7 seater Hackney Carriage wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV’s)
• Safety around high mileage vehicles
• MOT certificates and safety
• Possible extra vehicle inspections
• Immediate suspension policy – plying for hire

·  The need for adequate numbers of enforcement officers/ new recruitment / council advertising procedure for vacancies

·  The decision making process for licensing decisions and the scheme of delegation

It was reported that representations had been received from the trade in respect of vehicle age criteria – 5/6/7 seater WAV’s but due to the late submission of the information Members and officers had not had adequate opportunity to give due consideration to the submitted information.

On a point of clarification the Head of Licensing and Registration asked if the proposed changes to 5/6/7-seater WAVs and the Immediate Suspension Policy and Plying for Hire Policy required Executive approval. 

In responding the City Solicitor confirmed that the proposed changes did constitute major changes to the existing policies and that Executive approval be sought.

RESOLVED – That subject to Executive approval:

(A)  Vehicle age criteria 5/6/7 seater WAV’s.

1.  That the age criteria for WG for 5/6/7 seater HC WAV’s be increased to extend the licensable life from 10 years to 12 years from the date of first registration.

2.  For vehicles between years 10 and 12 of the licence, those vehicles must be formally inspected at least twice per year by the Council.

3.  That consideration of those WAV’s currently licensed to carry 5/6/7 seater passengers be deferred to consider any legal implications and to ensure appropriate consultation has taken place.

4.  The extended vehicle inspection policy should remain with the 8 year starting point as in the existing policy.

5.  That the existing age criteria policy in respect of all other vehicles and other issues in the existing policy should remain unchanged.

(B)  Immediate suspension for plying for hire

6.  That there is no change to the public safety perspective of the Council to protect vulnerable women and children in particular, Members recognising the importance of retaining the existing policy of immediate suspensions on plying for hire as contributing to public safety and safeguarding issues.

7.  That on the second conviction, or caution, for plying for hire that the existing threshold of 3 years before the grant of a licence would be considered, be extended to 4 years.

8.  That in the event of a third conviction or caution for plying for hire that the Council should take a strong stance on the grounds of public safety and resist such a further application but may take into account any significant factors put forward by such an applicant.

9.  That Officers issue further information to both trades on the policy, highlight the change and re-enforce to the trade the consequences of plying for hire.

(C)  Taxi & Private Hire Licensing Decision Making Framework

10.  To approve policy and direct that Officers continue to make decisions on policy relative to their positions and experience within the scheme of delegation.

11.  That Officers prepare an information guide for Members illustrating the options available to Officers when making decisions around suspensions, revocations, refusals to licence, training requirements on existing licence holders and prosecutions so they can be more informed when dealing with constituents enquiries.

(D)  PHV Bonnet stickers and web based Taxi & Private Hire Licensing   enforcement and decisions results page

12.  That the issue of bonnet stickers and the publishing of licensing enforcement results be investigated further and that consultation take place with the trade prior to a further report being brought back to this Committee