Decision details

The Chief Executive Submitted a report informing Committee of the outcome of the consultation on amendment of the Council’s Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy, and to seek Committee’s views on the proposed amendments.

Committee were reminded that:

·         Consideration of the Department for Transport Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards (“Taxi Standards”) took place at the meeting on 20 October 2020. 

·         At the meeting, the Committee considered the current policies and conditions for drivers, vehicles and operators, which for the most part conformed with the Taxi Standards. 

·         Where amendments might be needed to comply with the Taxi Standards, the Committee authorised the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to consult on the possible amendments.

The report noted that:

·         Pursuant to the authorisation, the Council’s Solicitor wrote to all relevant licence holders and interested parties.  A copy of the consultation documents was enclosed with the report as Appendix 1.

·         The Council received one response to the consultation, the response referenced the possible cost of installing CCTV as a licence condition. 

·         The Council is required to consult to establish if there are local circumstances indicating whether the installation of CCTV would have a positive or adverse net effect on the safety of taxi and private hire vehicle users, including children and vulnerable adults, whilst taking into account potential privacy and other issues.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE

1.    Authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to amend the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy as set out in Appendix 2 of the report and presented to this Committee on 20 October 2020, with the exception of the provisions regarding consultation on the installation of CCTV.

2.    Authorise officers to consult as appropriate and prepare a Data Protection Impact Assessment and thereafter report back to this Committee on the issue of the introduction of a condition requiring the installation of CCTV in Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles.