The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “AA”) which seeks the approval of the Regulatory and Appeals Committee to make changes to the Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Vehicle Specification and to publish the results of Base check Grades.

Recommended –

1.         That the six proposed changes from the on-line engagement     survey set out in Appendix A to Document “AA” be approved and    take effect on the dates stated.

2.         That approval is given for the 5 Star Base Audit results to be      made public.

(Carol Stos - 01274 435706)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “AA”) which sought the approval of the Regulatory and Appeals Committee to make changes to the Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Vehicle Specification and to publish the results of Base check Grades.

The Enforcement Manager gave a detailed overview of the proposed changes which were set out in the report.

In response to a question regarding breakdown, it was stated that currently there were 330 Hackney Carriage drivers and around 5,000 Private Hire drivers, however 383 drivers had responded to the consultation on the proposed changes.  A Member questioned the wisdom of conducting the consultation during December, which was a very busy period for the taxi trade.  In response it was stressed no time was ever perfect and that the service had written to all the drivers in the district and that there had been a genuine attempt to get the message across.

Members expressed concerns at the proposal regarding the age of vehicles at first registration, and in the context of hybrid and electric vehicles this proposal should be relaxed. 

In term of the impending Government proposals for a clean air zone, the Council was still awaiting details on the extent of this and the implications for the taxi trade, albeit they would work closely with the trade to ensure a workable solution.  It was pointed out that the trade were already aware of some of the impending changes and the need to switch vehicle type.

A Member expressed concerns that the proposals set out in the report could result in financial hardships for taxi drivers.  In response it was stressed that financial hardship was not a material factor in drawing up the proposed changes.

A number of drivers representing both the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire trades were present at the meeting and although they expressed support for the proposed changes to the height of vehicles, and to the introduction of the 5 star award scheme, they expressed reservations around the age of vehicles that would be allowed, citing the already expensive cost of new vehicles coupled with additional cost of purchasing hybrid/electric vehicles.  There was an acknowledgement that the Clean Air Zone would become a reality; however more time should be given in term of the transition period in order for drivers to adjust to the changes and absorb the associated cost with running such vehicles.  

During a lengthy debate Members felt that some changes should be made to Proposals 1 and 3 in order to assist the Trade in making the transition, and it was therefore:

Resolved –

(1)        That the following proposed changes from the on-line      engagement survey be approved and that they take effect on the dates stated:

(i)            Proposal 1 - Vehicle proprietors be offered the option to apply for an extension to their current vehicle licence (as above) beyond the 10 (12 for WAV) years maximum age limit with immediate effect.

(Background - For proprietors (owners) of vehicles which were first licenced prior to 1 November 2019 and whose vehicle is due to reach the maximum age for a licenced vehicle (10 years or 12 years for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV)) on or before 31 May 2020, it is proposed that a dispensation be made available to allow such vehicles to be re-licenced for an additional period not to exceed 12 months or beyond 1^st June 2021.  This will provide time for Bradford’s future Clean Air Zone emission standards to be clarified and thereby aide proprietors to purchase vehicles which will meet future CAZ requirements.  Standard licensing fees will apply to the licence extension.

Dispensation would only be granted subject to:

•  There has been no break in the vehicle’s licence.

•  Vehicles which do not pass a vehicle safety inspection due to a major     defect and an appeal is not upheld will not be licensed for this extra period. 

•  Vehicles which are granted a dispensation will be subject to random testing given 24hrs notice). 

(ii)          Proposal 3 - It is proposed that any Vehicles being considered for first registration be limited to a maximum of 5 years of age from 1 March 2020 unless said vehicle is Hybrid (Euro 5/6 Petrol), Electric or Ultra Low Emission.

(Background - The safety and engine emission features of newer vehicles are constantly and rapidly evolving to ensure that newer vehicles are safer for drivers, passengers and road users and also cleaner and more environmentally friendly.  Many manufacturers are now offering various forms of Hybrid and Electric vehicles as standard models and this is forecast to increase substantially in the coming years.  As part of its commitment to safety and also in anticipation of the introduction of a Clean Air Zone, as the Government requires Bradford Council to improve air quality and protect public health, it is proposed to limit the option for vehicles to be first licenced to a maximum of 5 years of age.)

(2)       That the 5 Star Base Audit results be made public.

ACTION:       Strategic Director Place