Agenda item - Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Driver Enforcement and Monitoring

Report of the Executive Director of Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities (copy attached)t

RESOLVED – That Members note the contents of the report and that officers should continue to act as appropriate.

7.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities which provided an update for Members on enforcement action taken against Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers and Applicants between March 2021 and June 2021.

7.2      Councillor Moonan sought clarification regarding the current situation in respect of the bollards to be installed next to Budgens adjacent to Brighton Station. It was confirmed that these were now in place.

7.3      Councillor Knight sought information regarding the process when a licence plate was revoked. It was explained that a plate was not taken away until a full appeals process had been exhausted as it could not be reinstated retrospectively. When a plate was revoked a new plate was released to a driver on the waiting list.

7.4      Councillor Simson referred to the comments which had been made in respect of vehicles licensed by other authorities plying for trade in the city. Councillor Simson asked whether such vehicles were included in the unmet demand survey. The Regulatory Services Manager, Jim Whitelegg explained that he would ensure that such data would be included in the data collected in order to ensure that this could be monitored.

7.5      Councillor Moonan was pleased to note the joint working which had taken place work that had been with neighbouring authorities and the broader enforcement issues which were being addressed on an on-going basis. It was explained that issues raised via the Taxi Forum and by those in the taxi trade directly were investigated. It was often difficult to take action as information provided was anecdotal, it was not illegal for vehicles licensed elsewhere to work in the city and actionable offences had be evidenced in order for action to be taken.

7.6      RESOLVED – That Members note the contents of the report and that officers should continue to act as appropriate.