Agenda item

The Committee was informed that councils which had adopted the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 had the right to set conditions and regulations relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles on the grounds of public safety. One of the conditions which had been set by this Council related to a minimum engine capacity of 1600cc being required for all licensed vehicles.

It was recognised that, since the adoption of the Act in the mid-1970s, the automobile industry had greatly improved safety standards and the efficiency of power units. Most diesel powered cars were now turbocharged, whilst others now benefited from electrically assisted hybrid engines.

The current engine capacity limit of 1600cc was considered to be an unnecessary burden on the taxi trade and to inhibit the trade from using less polluting and more efficient smaller engine or hybrid electric cars. Members noted the minimum engine capacity limits in place at neighbouring local authorities, a number of whom required a minimum capacity of 1300cc.

It was reported that there were no particular restrictions for taxi drivers on the make and model of their vehicles, but they must have 4 or more doors.

RESOLVED that the current minimum engine capacity limit for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles be reduced from 1600cc to 1300cc and that any engine capacity requirement for vehicles powered by an electric hybrid system be removed.