Agenda item - App based Private Hire Operators

Report of the Director of Public Health (copy attached)

7.1         The Hackney Carriage Officer introduced the report which provided an update on the issues relating to App based Private Hire Operators.  He noted that the matter was currently under review following an application by Transport for London to the High Court and that following deregulation in October, an operator would be able to pass work to another operator outside of the city.

7.2         Members of the Committee expressed concerns over how Licensing officers would be able to confirm the suitability of other operators and their drivers and how fees could be monitored.  It was noted that currently the Private Hire trade operated a voluntary scheme but this was unlikely to be administered by other operators.  Members also expressed concerns about provision for disabled users and training of drivers and the impact of such an operator could have on the current trade in the city.

7.3         The Head of Regulatory Services stated that officers shared similar concerns to those of the Committee; however until such an application for an operator’s licence was made it was difficult to answer those concerns. He noted that one such provider had made enquiries and may choose to make an application in which case it would need to be heard appropriately.

7.4         The Chair noted the information and suggested that the report be noted and any application awaited, in which case the necessary arrangements to hear the application would be made.

7.5         RESOLVED:

(1)          That the contents of the report be noted; and

(2)          That it be noted that there may be a need to have reasonable conditions attached to private hire operator licences to protect public safety.