Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Customer and Digital.

Nathan Howson, Enforcement Team Leader (Licensing), presented a report of the Director (Customer and Digital) requesting approval to go out to formal consultation on proposals regarding the implementation of a designated list of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) under the provisions of the Equality Act 2020, an amendment to the conditions on vehicle types to enable rear wheelchair access for private hire vehicles, and minor policy changes to improve the application process for taxi licensing.

Members discussed the report, noting that exemptions to the duties placed on drivers of designated wheelchair accessible taxis and PHVs would only be given to drivers with medical or physical conditions or disabilities which made it unreasonably difficult for them to provide the sort of physical assistance required. Members were advised that the natural turnover of drivers made it unlikely that the majority of WAV drivers would hold exemptions.

Members discussed the availability of taxis during peak times (i.e. during the school run) and it was noted that different business models were used at different authorities to provide WAVs when required. The Chair advised that discussions with the trade at Licensing Liaison Panel meetings had highlighted financial difficulties for drivers undertaking WAV journeys and that the proposals in this report (i.e. allowing rear access for Private Hire vehicles) sought to address these. Members agreed this was a positive move forward as the demand for WAV journeys was increasing.

RESOLVED - That the Licensing and Public Safety Committee agree:

1.    The approach to consultation;

2.    The decision to report responses to the consultation back to Committee for approval, and/or authorisation by a delegated officer, is made by the Chair of the Committee in consultation with a delegated officer;

3.    That a delegated officer may grant and/or refuse applications for an Exemption from the duties under the Act;

4.    To update the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy once changes are approved.