Agenda item

Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire (PH) Licensing Policy 2021-2026

Minutes:

The Committee considered the draft Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire (PH) Licensing Policy 2021-2026, with a view to approving it for public consultation.

 

In July 2020 the Department of Transport issued new Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Standards which recommended that Councils made available a cohesive policy document which brought together all their procedures on Taxi and Private Hire vehicle standards and outlined that policies should include but not be limited to policies on convictions and vehicle standards. Under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 the Council was responsible for regulating the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire trades operating in the Borough. This included the central aim of protecting the public, including children and vulnerable adults when using such services.

 

Members were advised that we are required to consult on proposed changes in licensing rules that may have a significant impact on passengers and the trade.

 

As part of the proposal the upper age limit for licensed vehicles would be temporarily removed until the new draft Policy was adopted. 

 

It was noted that Street Angels and the Parish Councils would be added to the list of consultees on the policy, which included the Taxi and Public Hire Trade, Ward Councillors and responsible body consultees. In addition, as part of the consultation members of the trade would also be invited to virtual consultation events to discuss and provide their views on the draft policy.

 

Following questions from Members, the Committee were advised that drivers within Surrey Heath were DBS checked to enhanced standards, which include checked against the Adults’ and Children’s Barred Lists and further checks every 6 months to ensure no new information has been added. 

 

There was an expressed wish from Members to replicate the CCTV provision which was found in Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles in Greater London. This will be subject to a separate consultation with the trade and other interested parties. Moreover, it was acknowledged there was a balance to be struck between environmental considerations and the financial costs to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire companies.

 

As part of the proposal the upper age limit for licensed vehicles would be temporarily removed until the new draft Policy was adopted. 

 

RESOLVED that

I.  The contents of the agenda report be noted;

II. The Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire (PH) Licensing Policy 2021-2026 be approved for consultation as per Annex A of the agenda pack;

                          III.   The upper age limit for licensed vehicles be temporarily removed until a new draft Policy is adopted.

 

 

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