Issue - meetings

This report seeks final approval of a Taxi Licensing Policy and conditions relating to hackney carriage vehicles and drivers, and private hire vehicles, drivers and operators. The Policy was considered and agreed by the Gambling, Licensing and Regulatory Committee on 25 April 2016.

Members considered a report, which in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution, sought the Executive’s formal adoption of the new and consolidated Taxi Licensing Policy.  It advised on the consultation undertaken, the amendments to the draft policy following the consultation and proposed amendments to the policy following earlier approval by the Gambling, Licensing and Regulatory Committee (GLR Committee).

Officers commented on the concerns raised by earlier public speakers and to previous changes agreed to policies and conditions, confirming that consideration had been given to all representations received. In particular they highlighted other licensing authority’s requirements for private hire vehicle door signage, at paragraph 29 of the report and the environmental considerations and the need for the Council to meet its health based air quality objectives.

Members expressed their support for the introduction of a Taxi Licensing Policy which could be reviewed, as necessary and to joint work being undertaken with the West Yorkshire and York Combined Authority Group.

Following further discussion consideration was given to the following options:

Option 1- to take into consideration the representation/comments from the licensed trade and approve the Taxi Licensing Policy in the amended form appended to the Report.    Prior to approval of the Taxi Licensing Policy the GLR Committee had taken into consideration the responses received to the public consultation and the representations made at committee. 

Option 2 - to take into consideration the representation/comments from the licensed trade and make further amendments to the Taxi Licensing Policy prior to approval.