To consider a report that sets some small amendments to the current Policy.

Members received the submitted report which set out amendments to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2012.  The main changes related to the timescale for drivers to obtain a Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Practical Driving Test; changes or additions to conditions relating to smoking in vehicles and E and Vapour Cigarettes; and changes to the Policy to reflect that taxi licensing is now an on line service.

Members noted that further work would be carried out on the Policy in respect of wheelchair access which will be brought back to Members in due course.

Resolved:

(i)       that the changes to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2012, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, including the delegation to revote a licence if the criteria in 5.10 of the Policy is met, be approved;

(ii)      that the Environmental Health Manager (Commercial) be requested to consider making it clear at the application stage that the applicant must apply and obtain a Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Practical Driving Test as a condition of any licence granted; and

(iii)      that the Environmental Health Manager (Commercial) be requested to explore options to roll out the requirement to obtain Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Practical Driving Test to existing drivers in the future (for example via renewals).