Agenda item - Chair's Communications

The Chair gave the following communications:

I recognise the vital role taxis and private hire drivers play in transporting people, especially vulnerable people, around the city. They are in many ways the eyes and ears of the city and hold a unique position of trust in the community. Safeguarding the public is our priority and we are proud of our high licensing standards in Brighton and Hove. 

Taking people around the city safely is one of the most trusted and important services in the city. I value our taxi trade and I am proud of the very standards we have developed in the city. When I meet councillors from other parts of the country, they envy our record and our Blue Book. Both the council and the trade have been ahead of the game nationally in adapting to the needs and expectations of the public.  

I’m looking forward to attending the next Taxi forum and in the I intend to reach out and engage with the various trade representatives that make up the forum. I know that the top item on their agenda is engage with councillors and me, in particular, to discuss proposed changes looking at a “points system” around driver conduct.  

I’m pleased that we have been able to find funding, through safer streets 4, to extend the taxi marshal service during the summer and early autumn months. This has been a useful way of increasing the safety of the public and eased the burden on drivers. We hope further funding becomes available and we would bid to continue and extend this work.  

It’s also good to note that another Multi-Agency Enforcement Operation took place on the June and I look forward to hearing the officers update in their report on our agenda today.