Agenda item

Proposal for the Extension of Deadlines Relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing following the Covid-19 Pandemic

Reporting Person – Matthew Cobb

Minutes:

The Committee received a report on the proposed extension of deadlines relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing following the Covid-19 pandemic.  Mr Cobb reported that the deadlines related to academic training and vehicle specifications and that the proposed extensions would assist the drivers following the effects of the pandemic on the trade.  In addition to the proposals set out in the report, a supplementary paper had been tabled regarding the provision of a further year to 31 March 2023 for Hackney Carriage drivers to ensure their vehicles met Woking’s Hackney ULEV Policy, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Licensing.

 

The Chairman referred to the three proposals set out in section 4 of the report and asked the Committee for its views on the first, ‘To give drivers a further year to complete the academic course, advancing the deadline from 31 March 2021 to 5 October 2022’.  It was noted that many providers now enabled the drivers to undertake the training online.  Members were content with the proposal, subject to all drivers being advised that no further extension would be granted.

 

The Chairman asked Members for views on the remaining two proposals before the Committee, ‘to give the Private Hire drivers a further year to ensure their vehicles meet the Euro Emissions Six requirements from 22 January 2022 to 22 January 2023’ and ‘to give the Hackney Carriage drivers a further year to ensure their vehicles meet Woking’s Hackney Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) Policy from 31 March 2022 to 31 March 2023’.

 

A discussion ensued as to whether the extensions should be agreed, noting that whilst the pandemic had caused a reduced level of income for the taxi drivers; the drivers had already received and been made aware of extensions in past years; and there would be climate change benefits from the taxi fleet meeting the emissions and ULEV standards.  The Chairman stated that both sets of drivers should be treated the same and that the Committee was appreciative of the taxi services in the Borough be maintained during the pandemic.  It was suggested that when contacting the drivers, the Licensing team could encourage them to upgrade to an electric vehicle.

 

Members of the Committee voted on whether to support the new extended deadlines as proposed by the Licensing Authority.

 

Total in favour – 3

 

Against – 2

 

Present but not voting – 1

 

The Committee therefore supported the two remaining deadlines as proposed by the Licensing Authority.

 

RESOLVED That the new extended deadlines as proposed by the Licensing Authority be permitted:

 

(i)         To give drivers a further year to complete the academic course, advancing the deadline from 31 March 2021 to 5 October 2022;

(ii)        to give the Private Hire drivers a further year to ensure their vehicles meet the Euro Emissions Six requirements from 22 January 2022 to 22 January 2023; and

(iii)      to give the Hackney Carriage drivers a further year to ensure their vehicles meet Woking’s Hackney Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) Policy from 31 March 2022 to 31 March 2023.

Supporting documents: