Agenda item - Hackney Carriage Unmet Demand Survey and Consultation on Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Provision

Report of the Director of Public Health (copy attached)

21.1    The Committee considered a report of the Director of Public Health confirming that a Hackney Carriage “Unmet Demand Survey” would be undertaken during 2015 to determine any unmet demand for Hackney Carriages.

21.2    The Hackney Carriage Officer explained that the survey would look at current policies and provision of hackney carriage vehicles in the context of other similar authorities in England and in particular Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Provision.

21.3    Councillor Hyde enquired whether the current number of vehicles was considered to be sufficient. The Head of Regulatory Services responded that the current policy could be reviewed should the consultant’s report indicate that changes might be required.

21.4    Councillor Marsh stated that in her view it was important to maintain the number of vehicles including WAV’s at their current level unless there were clear indications that changes were necessary. The existing arrangements seemed to work well and it was important to maintain a mixed fleet bearing in mind that not all disabled passengers were able to access WAV’s.

21.5    Councillor Lepper concurred in that view stating that she considered it was essential to maintain a mixed fleet as was currently the case as this would best meet the needs of the travelling public overall.

21.6    Councillor C Theobald considered that the current number could be too high and therefore welcomed the opportunity for that figure to be reviewed.

21.7    Councillor Cobb sought clarification that currently the figure stood at no more than 5 additional plates annually, it was confirmed that this was the case and, the frequency with which reviews took place. The Head of Regulatory Services explained that the Unmet Demand Survey consultation took place every three years and that the next consultation was now due to take place.

21.8    RESOLVED – (1) That Members confirm their support for a restricted numbers policy for hackney carriage vehicles with managed growth of five additional plates issued annually to wheelchair accessible vehicles. This policy to be reviewed following the consultant’s report; and

(2) That any report should compare current policies and provision with other similar authorities in England to provide evidence in relation to the perceived or actual problem of availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles and consultation with local stakeholders.