Agenda item - BHCC Cleaner Taxis Project - National Pilot

Report of the Director of Public Health (copy attached)

18.1    The Committee considered a report of the Director of Public Health detailing the successful outcome of a bid made to the Department of Transport’s (DfT) for the Clean Vehicle Transport Scheme.

18.2    It was noted that the council had been awarded £195,000 for the retrofit of up to thirty larger taxis or minibuses with compact Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Technology (200mm and smaller). The award followed similar funds awarded for the retrofit of older buses in 2013.

18.3    Councillor A Kitcat commended the report and the hard work by officers which had resulted in this successful bid.

18.4    Councillor Hyde referred to the fact that there were several areas across the city where it was recognised that air quality was poor. Rottingdean High Street in her ward was one of them and Councillor Hyde enquired regarding any measures proposed to address this problem. The Head of Regulatory Services, Tim Nichols that on-going work was being carried out in co-operation with colleagues in the Environment, Transport and Sustainability team. Discussions had included representatives of Rottingdean Parish Council.

18.5    Councillor Robins referred to an engine cut-out device currently available, this was designed to reduce emissions when vehicles were queuing in stationary traffic. This usually needed to be operated manually and was not without its difficulties. The Head of Regulatory Services explained that the Taxi Forum had considered this issue and that potential alternatives would be investigated. He further explained that if the current levels of control available to the licensing authority were to be reduced as a result of changes to the existing legislation by Central Government, then the authority’s powers in this regard were likely to be reduced.  

18.6    Councillor Rufus sought clarification of the type of equipment required and whether this would last for the life of the vehicle. The Head of Regulatory Services that this matter was under investigation in order to find out which system/s would work best, regard would also be given to similar projects taking place elsewhere around the country.

18.7    RESOLVED – That the content of the report be noted.