Agenda item

Consideration was given to a request for a Vintage Vehicle Private Hire Licence and to display a small plate for a Beauford Tourer, registration 279 WCV, registered July 1980.

The Committee adjourned to inspect the vehicle.

Section 48(6)(a) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 provides that:

‘Subject to the provisions of this Part of the Act, no person shall use or permit to be used in a controlled district as a private hire vehicle in respect of which a licence has been granted under this section unless the plate or disc issued in accordance with subsection (5) of this section is exhibited on the vehicle in such a manner as the district council shall prescribe by condition attached to the grant of licence’.

The Council’s requirement for the display of licence plates on the rear of licensed vehicles is set out in the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, paragraph 9.4 on page 27, as set out in the report circulated with the agenda.

In relation to the request for a Private Hire Vehicle Licence, all vehicle licences are issued annually and Section 43 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 provides that a private hire / hackney carriage vehicle licence may only be in force for a maximum period of one year.

Paragraph 5.2 of the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy states that ‘A vehicle being presented for initial licensing is required to be under 5 years old at first registration.

The above Policy and statutory provisions reflect the Council’s responsibility to ensure that all hackney carriage and private hire vehicles are safe and fit for use.

The applicant explained the nature of his work, and was able to demonstrate the need to display a small licence plate on the outside of his vehicle, given the specialist service that his business entails.

The Vehicle passed an MOT in April 2019 with a few adversaries, all of which have been rectified.

It was agreed that the Licensing Officer confirm the small plate’s location on the vehicle with the applicant.

Resolved

The Beauford Tourer, registration 279 WCV.be granted a Vintage Vehicle

Licence Private Hire Licence, with conditions set out below, with approval to display a small plate.

1.     Whenever passengers are entering or leaving the vehicle, physical assistance is provided to ensure their safety.

2.     All components/spare used should be bonifide and meet manufacturer’s specification.

3.     Plastic glasses only to be used in the vehicle.

Reasons for Decision

With regards to the request for a small plate, having heard the applicant’s description of his business and the work that it entails, and the available options advised by the Licensing Officer, the Committee considered the resolution above would be best suited to the applicant whilst meeting the Council’s licensing responsibilities.

In relation to the request for a Private Hire Vehicle Licence, having inspected the vehicle, read all written material, and listened to the representation by the Applicant and the Licensing Officer, the Committee was satisfied with the general standard of the vehicle, the state of repair and the condition of the vehicle. Therefore it was considered the vehicle is fit for use for the general public and paying customers.