Purpose

Amendments to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2025.

Reasons for the decision

REASON FOR DECISION:

As per Council decision 30 October 2024 (Item 8(10)); Council approved delegated authority for minor amendments to be made to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2024 (Taxi Policy) by the Head of Housing and Health.

This decision records the amendments to be made.

Policy changes:

1.     Introduction of 5 new penalty point categories under the driver and operator sections:

Following feedback on the initial implementation of the adopted policy approach to licensed driver point, it was identified that there would be benefit of some clarity around several existing categories which can be addressed through more specific descriptions to ensure relevant, appropriate choices are available.

1.1                               Driver points

D50 -       Leaving a Hackney carriage unattended on a Hackney carriage rank – 3 points

D51 -       Driving in an inconsiderate manner or below the standard expected of a licenced driver – 9 points

D52 -       Refusing an in-district fare – 12 points – prosecutable offence under TPCA1847         level 2 fine applicable

D53 -       Driver using an unlicenced vehicle to fulfil a booking/ journey – 12 points –   prosecutable offence under S46 LGMP1976 level 3 fine applicable

1.2                               Operator point

O38 -       Allowing an unlicenced vehicle to be used for a booking – 12 points –   prosecutable offence under S46 LGMP1976 level 3 fine applicable

2.     Removal of paragraph 4.8.4 from policy.

Following consultation with drivers and feedback from licence holders that the DAVIS platform is not adding value to their experience transacting with the Council, and requested that we do not require them to use this platform. The key information will be provided by proprietors directly to the licensing team instead.

4.8.4 The Council provides on online platform for vehicle proprietors to upload details of their vehicles and associated documents. Instructions on how to access the system are provided to Licensees on grant of licence. The following documentation can be submitted through the Davis platform: (a) MOT certificate (b) Insurance certificate (c) Confirmation of vehicle tax