Agenda item - Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Driver Enforcement

Report of the Acting Director of Public Health (copy attached)

8.1       The Committee considered a report of the Acting Director of Public Health advising on driver enforcement in respect hackney carriage and private hire vehicles.

8.2      The Public Health Licensing Lead, Jim Whitelegg explained that the council licensed hackney carriage and private hire vehicles, drivers and operators. Hackney Carriages could ply for hire in the streets and at taxi ranks (“stands” in legislation) whilst Private Hire Vehicles could only accept bookings made through a Private Hire Operator. Details of the enforcement measures available were set out in the report as were details in relation to the incident in relation to an accident between a private hire vehicle and a cyclist (subject of a public question detailed at 5(b) of these minutes above). The driver concerned had cut across the path of the cyclist knocking her off the bike and had driven off at speed without checking whether she was injured or offering any assistance.

8.3       Councillor Horan stated that this issue was alarming enquiring as to means by which it could be ensured that all vehicle drivers could be identified easily.

8.4       Councillors Simson and Deane concurred stating that although an isolated incident this reflected very badly on the trade did little to promote confidence, and could have resulted in a tragedy. Enforcement measures available needed to be as robust as they could be and the clarification and update provided by the report were welcomed. Councillors Wares and Page concurred in that view. Councillor Wares considered that whilst the seriousness of this particular incident could not be overstated it was important to note the positive initiatives which had been instigated by the licensed taxi trade in the city too.

8.5       Councillor Wares stated that he was pleased to note that enforcement was a standing item at meetings of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Forum, members of which included members of the trade, unions, Sussex Police, Brighton and Hove bus Company, local disability groups and officers of the council.

8.6       Councillor Moonan stated that the decision taken by the individual Magistrate in this instance was unfortunate and it was difficult to comprehend the rationale for it.

8.7       Councillor Phillips stated that it was important to note that a number of drivers across the city provided a very good standard of service to their customers.

8.8       The Chair noted all that had been said and in closing the debate stated that the point made by Ms Reynolds when putting her supplementary question (minute 5b above refers) had been well made. It was important to seek to ensure that there was better communication between the police and the council regarding  road traffic incidents and she was sure that further work would be done to ensure that happened.

8.9       RESOLVED – That the content of the report be received and noted.