Agenda item - Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Driver Enforcement and Monitoring

That Members note the contents of this report and that officers should continue to take action as appropriate.

6.1       Martin Seymour, Hackney Carriage Officer, gave a brief overview of the report highlighted various points of information such as setbacks with staff having long term illnesses, there was an increase in enforcement work, most difficult cases would be brought to new members for discussion in regards to a course of action.

6.2       Councillor Cattell enquired what the rules in regards to satellite navigation were.

6.3       Martin Seymour confirmed that all taxi drivers had to sit the knowledge test, he further clarified that satellite navigation was used to begin the route however that in all cases, drivers would have adopted the shortest route to the destination.

6.4       Councillor Morris gave an example of having to provide directions for a taxi driver in the past.

6.5       Jim Whitelegg, Regulatory Services Manager, encouraged members to report any incidents.

6.6       The Chair enquired if train times were being worked around.

6.7       Martin Seymour confirmed that there was no specific report available yet but that efforts to monitor evening times were being made.

6.8       Councillor Page referred to page 13 and enquired if the 6 vehicles in Surrey Street could be a police matter.

6.9       Martin Seymour stated that the cars were stationary on the side of the road and that these had been cleared away, he emphasised that cars would move as soon as enforcement were present.

6.10    Jim Whitelegg stated that the parking enforcement contractor were to respond to complaints within the hour, he further clarified that Civil Enforcement Officers would be the ones to deal with parking. He responded to the specific situation by stating that this was a tough situation and gave an example of areas clearing once enforcement had arrived. He concluded by stating that he had written to all Hackney Carriage drivers setting out the parameters of acceptable practice and had noted an improvement as a result.

6.11    Councillor West, on behalf of Councillor Lizzie Deane, stated that officers were not attending inspections at the right hours; the reality was that taxies were congesting often and a lot. The Councillor enquired if measures were active or reactive as they did not particularly relate to residents. Finally a constituent’s complaint regarding a licensed taxi fly tipping was given.

6.12    Jim Whitelegg stated that in regards to fly tipping, taxis could be provided with a fixed penalty notice by 3GS. He confirmed that he had not received any complaints from residents in regards to Surrey Street in roughly a year.

6.13    The Chair referred to page 15 and stated that the hours between 10am – 2pm were critical within the City and enquired if more were planned to conduct late night operations.

6.14    Jim Whitelegg confirmed that evening operations looked to be taking place later in the year however potential issues surrounding upcoming gigs remained.

6.15    AGREED - That Members note the contents of this report and that officers should continue to take action as appropriate.