28 Wheelchair Accessibility Hackney Carriage Licences PDF 117 KB
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Minutes:
The Committee considered a report which
advised the current Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) fleet
profile and the potential air quality implications relating to the
current policy. Members were asked to agree a consultation period
on amending the policy so that new Hackney Carriage Licences would
only be granted to electric WAVs with a two year fee free
period.
Members were advised that the proposal to grant new Hackney
Carriage Licences to electric vehicles only, would improve air
quality and the availability of Hackney Carriage WAVS. The Head of
Licensing explained that in order to incentivise the trade to
purchase electric WAVs, there would be a two year period in which
fees were waived.
The Head of Licensing explained to Members that under the current
policy, only vehicles which meet the age criteria and are
wheelchair accessible will be granted a Hackney Carriage Vehicle
Licence. Members were advised that
there was further disparity within the Policy due to the types of
vehicles allowed to be used until 12 years old. In the Hackney
Carriage Fleet, WAVS are specified whereas the Private Hire Fleet
has a broader definition. As a result, there are numerous
Multi-Purpose Vehicle’s (MPV) on the Private Hire Fleet which
are more polluting and do not offer the same benefit as a
WAV.
Members expressed concern at the difference in definition and
sought clarification that the proposed changes to the policy would
rectify this issue. In response, the Head of Licensing advised that
this area of the policy would be considered in the consultation
with a report coming back before the Committee at a future
meeting.
RESOLVED: (Unanimously)
1.
The Licensing Service will undertake a consultation with relevant
stakeholders on the proposed changes to the policy.
2. The Committee will receive a report on the outcome of the consultation at a future meeting.