Agenda item

The Chair clarified that the purpose of the report was not to decide whether an Age Limit is put on Private Hire or Hackney vehicles, but to decide whether the Committee should move towards a consultation. If, on reading the report, they decide that there is evidence to support an age restriction on vehicles, then all those interested parties including the trade, would have an opportunity to put their representations forward in writing through the appropriate channels.

Mr Ward addressed the Committee and commented that he took exception to the report and stated that it factually incorrect. He suggested that should the policy be introduced, a false market would be created with the number of high mileage vehicles retaining value and under 3 years old still being within the law. He suggested that should there be a change in the policy it would be preferable to put a maximum age limit on the vehicle rather than a minimum.

The chair informed Mr Ward that should the consultation process be approved, he would be given the opportunity to bring his comment to the Committee.

Mr Darlington commented that having recently purchased 7 hybrid taxis, the proposed increase in engine size for private hire vehicles would leave his fleet somewhat redundant and suggested that should there be a review in engine capacity, it would be more effective to review the brake horsepower rather than engine size. He stated that the new hybrid cars and cars with smaller cc were out performing larger engine sized cars and were also less damaging to the environment as they had less damaging emissions. He questioned where the Councils green policy was and commented that greater consideration be given to environmental issues.

The Solicitor reported that should the consultation process be approved, people would be contact and given the opportunity to address the Committee.

Mr Wilshire, the Chair of the Private Hire Association spoke about the financial implications and costs that would be incurred by hackney and private hire drivers should the policy be put out to consultation and approved. He reported that taxi drivers were already suffering financial hardship due to the economic slowdown and changes to the policy would have a severe and detrimental financial affect on many drivers.

The Chair asked that Mr Wilshire put his concerns in writing during the consultation process, should the Committee approve it.

Mr Russell addressed the Committee and reported that the it would not only be the private hire and hackney drivers that would be affected, should the policy be introduced, but the public would also suffer as a result as the costs of fares would have to increase to address to increased expense. He commented that the policy was corrosive and short sighted and that there had be no injuries due to any vehicle that had failed a safety inspection. He suggested that the robust plating system already in place was enough of a measure to ensure the safety of taxi users.

The Chair commented that 63 taxis had been taken off the road as a result of failing spot safety checks.

Mr Shah informed the Committee that he was speaking on behalf of a number of Pakistani drivers who would be affected should the policy be approved, post consultation. He asked that Members reject the consultation, as it was in the view of those he was representing, unnecessary. He claimed that the introduction of the policy would have a disproportionate affect on the Asian community and suggested that the Council would need to apply themselves in engaging with taxi drivers who’s English was not their first language if the consultation process were to be approved. He stated that drivers would be adversely affected due to the economic climate and that consultation rules must be carefully followed should the Committee decide to approve the consultation process. He also gave mention there was perceived unfairness to the policy between Hackney and private hire drivers.

Members agreed that should there be a consultation, the technical information bought before the Committee would need to be examined. They discussed the importance of giving consideration to environmental factors during the consultation process if approved, and were minded to consider the financial implications of the consultation. The Licensing Officer explained that due to financial constraints and for the sake of transparency and fairness, an independent and external consultation could be carried out. However, the Chair reported that he would like the consultation process carried out in-house and the costs would be met under the Director of Environment and Culture.

Members discussed whether or not the consultation process should be conducted as a blank canvass with none of the pre-requisites being considered.

RESOLVED:

                        That the consultation process with interested parties as to the feasibility and necessity of introducing a combined Hackney and Private Hire vehicle age policy be agreed.