Issue - meetings

Members gave consideration to a report which provided them with feedback from the private hire trade following a consultation on the proposed Executive Hire Policy.

The Committee was informed that, over recent years, the private hire trade had become more diverse and there was now a much wider range of vehicles and services available to customers/passengers.

Members noted that it was important that policies recognised the wide range of private hire services that were now available, and that a licensing regime was required that facilitated the licensing of businesses which operated professionally and safely, whilst offering adequate protection to prevent the licensing and operation of businesses which were non-compliant and did not offer the necessary level of public protection.

It was explained that the main distinctions between standard and Executive Private Hire were the type of client catered for, the type of service offered, and the cost of the service provided. Drivers of Executive Private Hire Vehicles must hold a valid private hire drivers licence issued by the same local authority that issued the Executive vehicle and operator licence. The legislation required that all licensed drivers (private hire and hackney carriage) were fit and proper to hold such a licence. The standards required by the Licensing Authority in terms of driving skills, medical fitness, criminal/motoring

convictions, knowledge of licensing requirements, safeguarding and regional topography knowledge was deemed to be same for both standard and Executive Private Hire drivers.

The proposed policy had been the subject of consultation and a verbal update on responses received was provided. Once agreed, officers would assess existing exemptions in accordance with the policy.

Members sought and received clarification/commented on the

following points:

·         How were drivers assessed – they underwent the same training and tests as every private hire driver. Only the livery conditions were different.

·         It was recommended that the condition re dress code was amended to read that shirt and tie “must” be worn- this was agreed

·         The condition in relation to vehicle age be subject to officer’s discretion, as some older vehicles were still suitable to executive hire – this was agreed.

RESOLVED that the policy be noted.