Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair, Councillor Barbara Nathan introduced herself as the new Chair of Licensing along with fellow members of the Committee who were in attendance at the meeting.

The notes of the last meeting were circulated.

The concerns regarding tariff 1 changing to tariff 2 had now been sorted.

The MOT test changed on 20 May 2018, with new defect types, stricter rules for diesel car emissions, and some vehicles over 40 years old becoming exempt.

The MOT test certificate has also changed and will list any defects under the new categories so that they are clear and easier to understand.

Request by members of the trade attached.

A member of the Trade had requested this item but was unable to attend. In his absence the Head of Licensing explained that the trade had concerns about South Ribble Borough Council imposing an age limit for its taxi’s when neighbouring councils like Chorley and Preston did not. There was a feeling that this was putting SR drivers at a disadvantage.

It was also reported that Chorley Council are looking to implement an Emissions Policy and the trade asked if this was something that SR would consider instead of reducing the age limit.

The Head of Licensing explained that current Policy would be reviewed in March. There are areas of South Ribble that had been highlighted as areas with high air pollution based around all vehicle movement and this needed to be considered when reviewing the policy. There was also a move to have a Lancashire wide agreement for the Green agenda so that all authorities have a consistent approach.

This item has been requested by the trade.

Members of the Trade reported that there were certain taxi ranks across the borough that needed remarking. The problem had been reported several time to Lancashire County Council who were responsible for this action but had informed the Council that this work was low priority at present.

This item has been requested by the trade.

There appears to be an inconsistency in the displaying of signage on the taxis in South Ribble. Other Licensing Authorities have strict guidance on where signs are to be mounted and the wording in the current policy is ambiguous.  

It was considered that this needed to be reviewed.

This item has been requested by the trade.

A number of drivers are being reported for parking in inappropriate places that are deemed by others to be ‘plying for hire’. A letter is to be sent to all Operators advising of the rules and giving advice. A warning will also be issued and enforcement action taken if not adhered to.

Members of the Trade raised the following issues/concerns:

·         Reports of drivers carrying passengers but forgetting to switch their lights on and off.

·         Changes by Central Government to bridge the deregulations gaps and address some of the inconsistences in the trade.

·         Dates of the new training course to be provided by the Council.