Issue - meetings

The Committee gave consideration to a report of the Trading Standards and Licensing Manager that requested Members approve an amendment to the Council’s taxi and private hire licensing policy related to driver medicals.

Members were informed that due to the outbreak of Covid-19, Officers had allowed drivers who were unable to provide a medical to self-declare any changes in circumstances as general practitioners (GP) were not undertaking private medicals which followed the advice of the British Medical Association. It was explained that Officers had felt reluctant to license new drivers who had self-declared as an inaccurate health picture could be portrayed.

Members were advised that an amendment to the policy allowed Officers discretion to allow the use of private companies who offered medicals. GP’s would perform the medicals with a summary of medical records in place of the whole medical file the would be held by the driver’s own GP.

Members expressed that the amendment followed the Secretary of Transport approach and as there was not an end date for the virus, the proposal would provide an answer. It was noted that there were around 3 companies lined up for the work. Members commented on the cost of the scheme and noted that the cost to drivers would be £20 cheaper than using the GP service.

RESOLVED that:

1.    The report be noted.

2.    The policy amendment as outlined in the report be approved.