Agenda item - Chairman's Communications

3.1       The Chairman updated Members on the situation at Brighton Station with regard to taxi ranks, and noted that recently all transport operators associated with the station had experienced difficulties. A feasibility study was being undertaken by Officers and any proposed rank would need to take this into account. She noted that the appointment of a rank was a function reserved for the Cabinet Member for Environment, with delegated authority to Officers if no objections were received. If a rank were appointed on the highway, a Traffic Regulation Order would be needed.

3.2       Councillor West asked if there had been any proposals for a rank at Brighton Station currently drawn up and the Chairman replied that there had not.

3.3       Councillor Watkins asked if the station proprietors were under any obligation to have a rank and the Head of Environmental Health and Licensing replied that they were not, but one was requested because a by-law stated that taxis needed to proceed to the nearest available rank when not in use. He added that the situation had been alleviated recently by Southern Rail, as they had agreed to stop issuing any more permits and reduce the number of permits currently in use at the station by natural wastage.

3.4       The Chairman went on to update Members on the recent suspensions and revocations of taxi licences. Since the last meeting, one driver had been given a final warning and one garage had been removed from the list of approved garages.