Agenda and minutes

Apologies received from Cllr Henderson.

To elect a Chair for the duration of the meeting.

It was proposed by Cllr Rollason and seconded by Cllr Sanders and;

RESOLVED – that Cllr Peart be elected chair for the duration of the meeting.

None.

The Sub-Committee noted the information provided by way of the report. In particular the Sub-Committee noted that the vehicle’s MOT certificate expires in March 2025, with advisories and that the vehicle passed its annual taxi inspection test on 5 April 2024 with an advisory. The Applicant was in attendance and answered questions from the sub-committee relating to when the tyres were last replaced and the condition of the seats as they appeared damaged in the photographs provided. The applicant confirmed that they tyres had last been replaced no more than 6 months ago and that the seats had a cover on which had a slight tear in but the seats themselves were fine.

The Sub-Committee asked that the applicant replace the damaged tyres and provide confirmation to the Licensing Officer that this had been done but were satisfied that the vehicle was in a good and sound condition and that public safety would not be compromised by the granting of the licence sought.

Decision

Accordingly, the Sub-Committee granted the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence as detailed in the report with the additional condition of 6 monthly taxi inspection tests to monitor the advisories listed.

The Sub-Committee noted the information provided by way of the report. In particular the Sub-Committee noted that the vehicle’s MOT certificate expires in September 2024, with no advisories and that the vehicle passed its annual taxi inspection test on 12 April 2024. The Applicant was unable to be in attendance.

The Sub-Committee were satisfied that the vehicle was in a good and sound condition and that public safety would not be compromised by the granting of the licence sought.

Decision

Accordingly, the Sub-Committee granted the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Extension as detailed in the report with the additional condition of 6 monthly taxi inspection tests due to the age of the vehicle.

The Sub-Committee noted the information provided by way of the report. In particular the Sub-Committee noted that the vehicle’s MOT certificate expires in April 2025, with no advisories and that the vehicle passed its annual taxi inspection test on 17 April 2024 with an advisory. The Applicant was in attendance and confirmed that the vehicle undergoes daily checks as it is used for school runs and it is serviced regularly.

The Sub-Committee were satisfied that the vehicle was in a good and sound condition and that public safety would not be compromised by the granting of the licence sought.

Decision

Accordingly, the Sub-Committee granted the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Extension as detailed in the report with the additional condition of 6 monthly taxi inspection tests due to the age of the vehicle.

The Sub-Committee noted the information provided by way of the report. The Applicant was unable to be in attendance and the Licensing Officer confirmed that the vehicle currently has a standard size plate. Small plates are usually issued to those vehicles that are used for weddings and similar events. The Applicant has requested a small plate due to starting their own business away from the taxi ranks and is looking to provide a service to private hire customers, local business clients and undertaking airport runs. The Applicant feels a small plate will assist with meeting the expectations of future clients who may want a discreet service. The Applicant also feels that there is no ideal spot on the vehicle to attach the standard size plate.

Decision

The Sub-Committee noted the information contained within the report, including the Applicant’s previously submitted written request but did not feel that strong enough reasons had been put forward as to why the standard plate should be changed which would deviate from the Council’s licensing policy. The Sub-Committee noted that the vehicle currently has the Council’s standard plate affixed and believed it would be in the public interest for it to remain. The Sub-Committee felt that standard plates provide better visibility for customers, especially important when trying to build up business as a new operator. Small plates are normally issued to vehicles whose predominant use is for specialist services such as wedding parties.

Accordingly, the Sub-Committee refused the request for a small plate as detailed in the report. The Sub-Committee felt that they had to refuse the request as they considered that currently there was no compelling reason for the standard plate to be replaced with a small plate.