Decision details

This report seeks a recommendation from Members to the Licensing & Regulatory Committee in relation to the Council's review on the quantity restriction of Hackney Carriages.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for City Strategy be advised to make the following recommendations to the Licensing and Regulatory Committee:-

(i)                 That a rank queue survey be conducted and repeated at least every two years in order to  monitor the level of unmet demand

(ii)                Approve Option d), i.e. to issue a limited number of new hackney carriage vehicle licenses each year until market demand regulates the number of licenses issued but subject to a review after 2 years on the effects of any increase in numbers.

(iii)               That officers be asked to investigate the availability of taxi vehicles which both meet Euro 4/5 standards and which also achieve low greenhouse gas emission levels

(iv)              That any new plates which may be made available are allocated to vehicles which allow side access for wheelchair users

(v)                That officers investigate and report back on options for extending the availability of taxi rank space with particular reference to the City centre.

(vi)              That the officers be asked to investigate and report on how the Council can ensure that plates are retained by local residents and that any rental income which may be charged by plate owners is ploughed back into improving the quality of the taxi service in York

Decision of the Executive Member for City Strategy

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  This represents the least disruptive and controlled route to achieving deregulation. It will permit market forces to regulate the number of taxis viable in the city in the same way as any other business.