Agenda item

To consider the report of the Service Lead  - Environmental Health & Community Safety.

The Service Lead - Environmental Health & Community Safety presented a report on the proposed introduction of a Taxi Penalty Points Policy for Exeter City Council and consultation with the taxi trade. Following the introduction by Government of the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards in July 2020, a working group was set up to consider a number of elements of the guidance, including whether to introduce a points based disciplinary system at Exeter City Council.  A draft policy had been developed with the aim of improving the levels of compliance with licensing regulations and requirements, to help raise standards, improve safety and enhance the protection of members of the public affected by the actions of licensed drivers, operators and vehicle proprietors. The penalty points system would bridge the gap between more serious matters, but help to maintain standards.

A Member of the working group referred to their research, which included consideration of similar policies operating in Leeds and Newcastle, as well as liaising with the Taxi Forum and Licensing colleagues. If the policy was adopted it would offer a further structured forum to deal with matters.

The Service Lead - Environmental Health & Community Safety confirmed that a ten week period of consultation would take place with the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire trade, with a report, including a summary of the responses, to be made to the Licensing Committee in July, before approval at Council.

In response to questions by Members, the Service Lead - Environmental Health & Community Safety explained:-

·         the working group had considered the points scale used by a number of local authorities;

·         the Licensing Sub-Committee would be able to use the points scheme as a response and action to individuals appearing before them including for minor infringements;

·         the points system could be used in conjunction with other existing legislation;

·         in respect of item 31 on the schedule there was a guidance on food and drink in the vehicle which also included the driver and in that respect was about maintaining a professional appearance, and in respect of item 59, by way of points the Licensing Sub-Committee allows the opportunity for a driver or operator to appeal;

·         a report on a mystery shopping exercise of the taxi experience in the city would be presented to Members in due course;

·         in respect of items 9 and 12,  the distinction of action in respect of vehicles being used without a valid MOT certificate and a lapsed MOT was made;

·         although not prescriptive, items 46 and 47 would capture driving standards;

·         contributions, including observations from Members to the consultation, were welcomed; and

·         an opportunity to receive feedback on drivers was discussed;

The Legal Advisor highlighted that any individual could be brought before a Licensing Sub-Committee, but that did not preclude other action being taken. 

RESOLVED that Licensing Committee:-

(1)        approve the draft proposed Penalty Points Policy as contained in Appendix A; and

(2)        endorse and authorise that the proposals are put out to public consultation to run from 20 February 2023 until 30 April 2023 (10 weeks).