Issue - meetings

Members gave consideration to a report which advised them of the outcome of the Department for Transport Ministerial Working Party review of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing.

In September 2017 the Transport Minister had requested that a working party be convened to review the current regulatory regime for taxis and private hire as he did not consider it fit for purpose.

The Working Party had been convened and its Report was published in September 2018. A response from the Minister was awaited.

Members noted that the working party had made thirty four recommendations in their report, which included the following key issues:

Ø An urgent revision of existing legislation was required;

Ø There should be national minimum standards for drivers, vehicles and operators;

Ø Updated Government guidance should be issued

Ø Metro Mayors should emulate the model of licensing in London by combining authorities into one licensing area;

Ø Power to cap the numbers of licences to meet local need for taxis and PHVs;

Ø Fixed penalty notices to be introduced for minor licensing offences;

Ø All licensed vehicles should be fitted with CCTV

Ø Mandate the use of a central national database; and

Ø Review the evidence for restricting the hours licensed drivers can work similar to bus and lorry drivers.

Members sought and received clarification/commented on the

following points:

In relation to the restriction on working hours, drivers could have other employment and drive part-time – this was accepted, subject to a way being found to record all employment

Did application forms ask about other employment or licences – it did not, as it would not affect their ability to be granted a licence. There were currently no powers to restrict other employment or driving hours.

Did Wigan discount the licensing fee for electric vehicles – they did, with the shortfall being met from other funding.

RESOLVED that the outcome of the review be noted.