Issue - meetings

This will be a verbal update to inform Members of the activities undertaken to discharge the Council's Licensing function during the period March 2018 to November 2018

The Committee received a verbal update that informed Members of the activities undertaken to discharge the Council's Licensing function during the period March 2018 to November 2018.

Members were informed that 306 drivers had completed the Council’s NVQ, with 66 currently undertaking the qualification. Inductions were every 6 weeks. There had been god feedback from drivers, particularly with regard to the trainers being drivers themselves and understanding the trade.

Members noted that, since April 2018, the Licensing Driver Panel had refused 7 licences, suspended 9, revoked 4 and granted 1. There had also been 2 immediate revocations by officers under delegated powers.

The Committee was informed that Oldham was part of the voluntary national scheme to record revocations and create a database of drivers of concern. Using this system, authorities would be able to share information on such matters as plying for hire, which would not appear on a DBS check.

Members noted it was now possible t apply for vehicle licences online and make appointments for vehicle checks. DBS and DVLA checks could also be completed online, which had speeded up the process.

Work was ongoing across Greater Manchester to agree common minimum standards, which was looking at a common approach to policies on areas such as convictions, liveries and vehicle standards. Greater Manchester was also working on a Clean Air Plan. Licensed vehicles undertook 21 million journeys per year and there would be consultation with the trade as there may be implications for licensed vehicles in the Plan.

Onn online survey on the use of taxis in Greater Manchester had received over 2000 responses. A high percentage of respondents wanted common ID for vehicles and CCTV in all vehicles. There were concerns about driver standards and communication.

Members sought and received clarification/commented on the

following points:

·         What would happen if a driver did not complete the NVQ – the driver would be brought before the Driver Panel for consideration.

·         Could the air pollution figures be broken into areas, as this may show issues regarding traffic flow – “Corridor Managers” had been appointed and they would provide information to Members.

·         Could taxi drivers be prevented from leaving their engines running – a condition could be added with regards to no idling and the trade would be consulted on this when conditions were updated.

RESOLVED that the update be noted