The Miscellaneous Licensing Committee convened to address licensing policy and individual applications, ultimately recommending the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle, Operator and Driver Licensing Policy for Council approval, while also refusing two applications for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy

The committee reviewed the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle, Operator and Driver Licensing Policy, taking into account consultation responses and proposed amendments. The Principal Licensing Practitioner (Policy) presented the report and outlined the proposed changes.

The key points of discussion included:

• Minimum width for taxi signs: Responses from the trade requested that the minimum width for taxi signs be reduced to 10 inches, arguing that this size is more practical for various vehicle types and roof designs. The Licensing Service agreed that a minimum width of 10 inches is acceptable, provided the roof sign only states the word TAXI at the front.
• Euro 6 emission standards: Concerns were raised about the financial burden of phasing in minimum emission standards (Euro 6) for licensed vehicles, particularly for smaller independent taxi companies. The committee agreed to extend the implementation dates for Euro 6 vehicles to 1 April 2027 for vehicles being licensed for the first time, and to 1 October 2029 for existing vehicles being renewed.
• Mandatory disability and safeguarding awareness training: The intention to introduce mandatory disability and safeguarding awareness training for all drivers was discussed.
• Contactless card payment systems: Concerns were raised about the requirement for all Hackney Carriage vehicles to be equipped with an electronic/card payment system, due to unreliable internet connectivity in some areas of Cornwall. An exception was added to the wording in the condition to account for occasions when network coverage prevents contactless payments.
• Fire extinguishers: The committee discussed the removal of the requirement to carry a fire extinguisher, with some respondents arguing that this requirement imposes minimal cost implications for huge safety benefits. The Licensing Service agreed with an amendment to the policy wording, stating that fire extinguishers should only be used by drivers who have been trained on the safe way to tackle a vehicle fire.

The committee voted to:

RESOLVED That:-

1. The responses received in respect of the consultation were noted; and
2. The comments made by the Licensing Service in relation to the consultation were endorsed; and

It was RESOLVED that it be RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that the revised policy be approved.

Licensing Applications

The committee considered two applications for the grant of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licences.

WD202

The committee considered an application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for applicant WD202. The Licensing Officer presented a report, and applicant WD202 and a representative attended the meeting to speak in support of the application and answer questions from the committee.

The committee noted the applicant's convictions from June 2019 and that HR Safeguarding had stated that they deemed the applicant suitable to be granted a licence. However, the committee also noted that the council's guidelines stated that where there was a conviction for drink driving/driving under the influence of drugs, a licence will not be granted until at least 7 years have elapsed since the completion of any sentence or driving ban imposed.

The committee voted to refuse the application, stating:

Members did not feel, on balance, that it was appropriate to depart from this Policy on this specific occasion.

Members also took into account the driving offences for which the applicant had been convicted when making their decision.

Members had regard to the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards and considered whether, based on the information before them, they would allow a person for whom they care, regardless of their condition, to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD202. Members concluded that they would not.

Taking all the information and evidence into account, on balance, Members felt that it was appropriate, on this specific occasion, to refuse the application as they did not consider WD202 to be a fit and proper person to be a licensed driver.

WD203

The committee considered an application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence for applicant WD203. The Licensing Officer presented a report, and applicant WD203 attended the meeting to speak in support of the application and answer questions from the committee.

The committee noted the content of the report and the matters set out within the report relating to WD203, including details regarding WD203's medical report and the information set out in the DVLA Fitness to Drive for Group 2 drivers. Members noted that WD203 does not meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards¹. Members also noted the driving endorsement on WD203's drivers' licence and that he had received 3 points for this.

The committee voted to refuse the application, stating:

Members felt that the information relating to the Group 2 Standards was clear and Members attached weight to these. On balance, Members felt that in this specific case it was not appropriate to depart from the Group 2 medical standards and that therefore the application be refused.

Members had regard to the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards and considered whether, based on the information before them, they would allow a person for whom they care, regardless of their condition, to travel alone in a vehicle driven by WD203 at any time of the day or night. Taking all matters into account, Members concluded that they would not.

Taking all the information and evidence into account, on balance, Members felt that it was appropriate, on this specific occasion, to refuse the application as, due to WD203's medical condition, they did not consider WD203 to be a fit and proper person to be a licensed driver.