Agenda item - Chair's Communications

The Chair gave the following communications:

We were deeply saddened to hear of the tragic incident on North Street in the early hours of Saturday morning involving one of our city’s taxi drivers. 

Our hearts go out first and foremost to the family and friends of the person who was fatally injured. 

It’s also been a huge shock to our taxi community, and in particular the driver involved in the incident.  

We are offering support to all drivers who have been affected. 

With a police investigation ongoing we are unable to comment further.

This committee has a strong focus on our taxi trade , starting with the unmet demand survey. I am sure that you all have thoughts and questions that you would like to share, however I would like to point out two very positive aspects to the report.

The first is the level of engagement trade gave to the report. I wanted to extend a very warm thank you to them for taking the time to engage so thoroughly.

I also want to note the commendation given by the report on the number of licensed WAV vehicles we have running. 50% is an outstanding balance and is to be applauded. Congratulations.

Last week we had a constructive taxi form on the 3^rd where the trade reps attended as well as the police and a representative from eb charging to discuss a telematics project for drivers to partake that provides data around the cost and savings of using an electric vehicle.

The changes in the papers that come before us today have been discussed with trade and we have responded to their feedback. We hope this shows that we are listening and want to do what we can to support our local drivers in Brighton and Hove.

As Councillors we are all very keen to understand the nitty gritty, so much so that Cllr Davis and I are arranging to attend a compliance test and the next multi-agency enforcement operation.

We very much look forward to both.

Finally, I would also like to share with you an email sent to us on the first day of term from home to school transport

Dear Mia & Team

I’ve Just had Southern’s overall school restart numbers in for this morning.

We have carried approx 170 Sen     Children this morning this is 340 movements a day.

It’s been an extremely positive return the best HTST start since 2018!

A credit to all involved.

This morning we have had ……

. No parent calls at all.

. No driver issues.

. No breakdowns.

. Spare drivers & escorts were on standby ready to go but not needed!

I hope you’re as happy as we are at Southern Taxis today, big thanks to Natalie, Helen, Luke & Peter for all their hard work through the school holidays.