Agenda item

The General Licensing Committee is requested to consider the report and make the following resolution:

That the General Licensing Committee considers and approves the proposed increase in the local Table of Fares (the ‘tariff’) as shown at Appendix A.  This will take effect unless objections are received in response to a public consultation.

Mr Knowles-Ley introduced Ms Courtney, the team’s new Licensing Technician. He then outlined the report.

Cllr Sutton asked for information relating to the cost to change a taxi meter and how many drivers it would affect. He also commented on the delay since the previous review. Mr Knowles-Ley explained that meters had previously cost around £15 each to update. He clarified the number of drivers as follows:

·       14 Hackney Carriage Drivers

·       468 Private Hire Drivers

·       31 Dual Drivers (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers)

Mr Knowles-Ley explained that all hackney carriage vehicles have a meter installed and presently the Council licensed 34 such vehicles.  Cllr Sutton asked whether private hire fares were comparable. Mr Knowles-Ley explained that the Hackney Carriage rates remained competitive.  He commented that whilst those operating private hire vehicles were at liberty to agree the price of a fare with passengers when taking a booking, equally those operating hackney carriage vehicles could choose to charge less than the fare shown on the meter.

Mr Knowles-Ley was asked for further information on the outcome of the consultation with existing licence holders. Mr Knowles-Ley confirmed that two drivers had initially made contact with the Council requesting that the existing Table of Fares (tariff) be reviewed.  In support of this a document signed by the majority of other licence holders was provided.  No negative comments had been received from existing licence holders regarding the proposed changes to the tariff and all existing holders of a hackney carriage licence had been provided with a link to the Committee papers and invited to attend the meeting.

Cllr Barrie requested information on the arrangements for those who do not want to use pre-bookable apps such as Uber. Mr Knowles-Ley explained that in respect of the Chichester district, the private hire sector has clearly increased whilst the hackney carriage sector has decreased. He also confirmed that the Council charges the same for a single driver’s licence or a dual driver’s licence (this authorises an individual to drive both a hackney carriage and private hire vehicle).

Cllr Bangert, Cllr Barrie and Cllr Sutton raised concerns around accommodating the hire of vehicles outside the train station.

Cllr Potter asked whether the council uses electric charging vehicles. Mr Knowles-Ley explained that the Council’s current Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy allows for electric vehicles to be licensed.

Cllr Bangert requested information on how soiling charges are recovered. Mr Knowles-Ley explained that this is ultimately a matter between the licence holder and passenger, however he understood that often the passenger is safely returned to their destination, the fee paid then or alternatively recovered afterwards. Cllr McAra invited Mr Bennett to comment. He provided examples of recent cases relating to recovering payment and handling of data.

Following a vote the Committee made the following resolution:

That the General Licensing Committee considers and approves the proposed increase in the local Table of Fares (the ‘tariff’) as shown at Appendix A. This will take effect unless objections are received in response to a public consultation.