Agenda item

Cllr Davies declared a pecuniary interest as he was employed by a taxi company, he therefore reported that he would not comment or vote on this item.

The Service Manager Environmental and Regulation introduced the report highlighting that the proposed Taxi Policy had been revised and updated following an extensive consultation exercise.  73 responses had been received from the consultation and a number of key issues were raised for the Council to consider.  The primary aim of the proposed policy was to protect the public, to ensure vehicles were safe, and that the public had confidence in using taxis in the area through the desire to improve standards, DBS checks and Code of Conduct. 

The consultation responses which did not support proposed changes to the draft policy related to the age of vehicles (new and existing), the age of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV), mid-term vehicle checks and the display of signage.  The comments received had been reviewed by officers and a number of changes had been made to the policy presented to the committee as a result of this feedback.  The policy would continue to be kept under regular review.

Members spoke in support to the updated policy recognising that officers had listened to the feedback received from the taxi industry and had amended the policy to address some of the concerns raised.  This was particularly felt with the change to the age of WAVs, placing no restriction on the upper age of these vehicles.  It was therefore hoped that the number of these vehicles on the road would not reduce.

The issue of CCTV in vehicles was raised and whilst it was not proposed at the current time to introduce CCTV, it was felt this should be reviewed for any future policy, recognising that the cost had decreased and that there were benefits to both the public and to the taxi drivers of CCTV.  It was highlighted that other authorities, including the neighbouring authority of Southampton had a mandatory requirement for taxis to have CCTV installed and that this would give greater confidence to taxi users.

One member of the Committee suggested that the policy wording in relation to door stickers be reviewed to provide greater clarity and consistency of wording in relation to the door stickers, in particular the words attached / affixed. This would make it easier for taxi drivers to understand their responsibilities.  The point was also made that signage must be attached as specified, and at all times whilst vehicles were licensed, and not by use of velcro or magnets.  The Service Manager for Environmental and Regulation responded to these points and undertook to review the wording and amend as necessary.  In addition, the taxi trade would be provided with more detail on their responsibilities in addition to the policy, as well as information being available on the Council’s website.

It was also suggested that consideration be given in relation to specific training courses which could be recommended by the District Council for taxi drivers to take in order to improve standards.

RESOLVED:

That following review of responses received during the consultation, and subsequent amendments, that the draft Taxi Policy be recommended for approval by Council in February 2025.