Agenda item - Chairman's Communications

22.1    The Chairman updated the Committee that since the last Licensing Committee (Non Licensing Act 2003) Officers in the Hackney Carriage Office have suspended four drivers and revoked the licence of two drivers. In addition to this, one driver was reminded of his licence conditions.

It was noted that in January Officers took part in a joint operation with Sussex Police which resulted in 47 vehicles stopped, and several penalty notices issued. In all there were 11 drivers suspended.

22.2    Councillor Cobb asked for further details and stated that she was concerned that drivers were being suspended over the Christmas period because of drink driving offences. She was also concerned about rumours that drivers were swapping or lending licences to other non-licensed drivers.

22.3    The Licensing Manager addressed the Committee and stated that none of the suspensions had been due to drink driving and all were for medical reasons. The two licences that had been revoked were also for medical reasons.

22.4    The Head of Environmental Health and Licensing stated that the joint operation with Sussex Police was a success and would encourage higher standards in the taxi service. He stated that incidents of unlicensed drivers were incredibly rare and the badges had been changed five years ago to ensure that this practice would be stopped.

He noted that any rumours of this still taking place might refer to the fact that some vehicles have several drivers using them, and in some instances the badge of the previous driver might be left on display by accident after the drivers had changed shifts.

22.4    Councillor Lepper felt that it was worrying that so many drivers were being suspended for medical reasons. She felt that the Brighton & Hove fitness requirements for taxi drivers were extremely high and the strict conditions posed problems for drivers with on going medical conditions.