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Have Your Say!
Mr Kevin Fisher, Owner of All The 8’s Private Hire Cars, addressed the Committee on a number of points relating to the licensing and livery of private hire vehicles and the emailed communication that was received from Mr Jon Ruder. Mr Fisher requested further clarification on issues he had previously raised. Mr Fisher requested a personal meeting to be arranged with himself, Mr Ruder and Mrs White to discuss this matter in person so it could be explained fully as he felt very frustrated with the situation.
The Committee thanked Mr Fisher for attending and informed him that the Licensing Officers would be in touch to arrange a future meeting.
The Committee was asked to note a report by Mr Ruder, Licensing, Food & Safety Manager, regarding proposed changes to the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy in the light of recent operational experience and the 2018 unmet demand survey. The changes set out in paragraphs 5.1 to 5.6 of the report were suggested to ensure that the policy remained fit for purpose and responsive to the changing licensing environment.
Mrs White addressed the Committee and highlighted the significant changes. Firstly in response to the recent unmet demand survey where unmet demand was not found, flexibility was sought to enable the Council to determine not to allocate or reallocate a Hackney Carriage Plate in the event of one becoming available. Secondly, with regard to vehicle testing, Mrs White explained that currently any vehicle can pass a MOT with minor defects, but no time frame is given for their correction and this was a concern in relation to licensed vehicles. It was suggested that defects should be corrected within a 7 working day period and proof of completion of works should be provided. Thirdly, the Committee were asked to consider recommending to Full Council that authority to make any minor amendments to the policy be delegated back to the Licensing Committee to minimise delays. However, any major changes would still be reported to Full Council.
The Committee thanked the Officers for the report and sought clarification on the 7 working day policy with regards to vehicle testing. What would happen if a driver was unable to book an appointment within that time? Could there be some leniency for those drivers who are unable too? The Officers confirmed that if a driver was to provide evidence of a booked appointment then it would be possible for the 7 working days to be extended. Further proof of completion of works would always need to be provided to Licensing Officers.
RECOMMENDED to Full Council that –
(i) the changes, set out in bold at Paragraph 5.1 to 5.4 and 5.6 in the report to the Licensing Committee, be made to the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.
(v) the following changes to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licence conditions, set out be made to the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy -
1.7 Vehicles must be maintained to MOT standard at all times. Vehicles that Pass the MOT with minor defects will be required to carry out remedial works within 7 working days of the MOT; if this is not possible prior approval for an extension in this time must be sought from the Licensing Manager. Proof of the completion of works must be presented to the Council within the period provided for remedial works to be carried out.