Agenda item - Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Penalty Points Scheme

RESOLVED:

The recommendations in the report were refused by 7 votes to 3.

25.1 The Chair invited Alex Evans to introduce the report starting on page 15 of the Agenda.

25.2 Councillor Hewitt thanked the officers for the report, and raised that the scheme could come across as punishing drivers instead of simply keeping them to a high standard, and other methods such as further training and warning letters would be a better alternative. He was also informed that:

·       Each offence would be assessed by the investigating officer.

·       Alternatives such as training would be prioritised.

·       Consistent complaints for drivers would be where the points scheme would come in.

·       Feedback would be a standing item at the Taxi Forum.

·       21 days would be the appeal period if a license is suspended or revoked.

25.3 Councillor Grimshaw was informed that:

·       There was positive feedback from neighbouring authorities who are currently using the penalty points scheme.

·       A points scheme would deliver an approach where drivers have more chances before facing a prosecution or revocation of license.

25.4 Councillor Baghoth was informed that:

·       We can’t verify if everyone that signed the petition were taxi drivers.

·       During the consultation there were 64 people opposed to the scheme, and a minority of people that supported the scheme.

·       The majority of B&H drivers live in the city.

·       Any intel would be referred to colleagues in neighbouring authorities.

25.5 Councillor Robinson was informed that smaller offences like cherry picking from taxis aren’t included in the blue book.

25.6 Councillor Nann was informed that:

·       The points system was inspired by neighbouring authorities.

·       The points system would operate the same as the current system in terms of officer demand.

·       One offence that is reported by numerous people would still only count as one offence, but there is discretion to give more points depending on the seriousness of the offence.

25.7 Councillor Pickett was informed that:

·       All prior taxi offences are kept on record except for verbal warnings.

·       Applications for licences are now being moved online instead of paper.

·       The points system would move previous records online.

·       A licensed vehicle being used privately would be investigated on a case by case basis.

·       Appellants have the right to appeal at a magistrate’s court where a license has been revoked or suspended.

25.8 Councillor Fowler was informed that:

·       Higher level offences like turning off CCTV would result in more immediate action – the points system would be for persistent low level offences.

·       No neighbouring authorities have stopped the points system since having it in place.

25.9 Councillor Davis raised that more consultation with the trade should be taken before going ahead with the system.

25.10 Councillors Sheard and Thomson raised that the points system could be really beneficial for the trade.

25. The Chair called for a vote on the recommendations in the report which were refused by 7 votes to 3.

RESOLVED:

The recommendations in the report were refused.