Issue - meetings

The current Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2022 (“the policy”) is scheduled for its three-year review.

Recommendation

That Members:

Authorise officers to commence a public consultation on the proposed changes to the Policy. Following the expiry of the consultation for the Policy to be brought back to a future Regulatory Services Committee for agreement before adoption at Full Council.

That public access to the report be immediate.

That public access to the decision be immediate.

The Development Management Team Leader introduced the report.

Members expressed concern about eliminating fire extinguishers from vehicles, emphasising that having them as a safety feature could be beneficial, rather than relying solely on calling the fire service in an emergency. Officers responded by explaining that the removal aligns with guidance from the Department for Transport (DFT) and the Fire Service, which recommend that individuals should not attempt to fight fires but instead evacuate and call emergency services to avoid personal risk. Members referenced statutory guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), suggesting that if fire extinguishers are required, proper training should also be mandated. In response, officers explained that training drivers is challenging, and noted that in practice, fire extinguishers in vehicles are often out of date or unused, supporting their removal.

Members also enquired about the MOT testing standards applied to taxi vehicles. They raised concerns about the current policy allowing vehicles with prior MOT failures or advisories on breaks and tyres to be licensed if those issues occurred before the taxi driver owned the vehicle. Members expressed discomfort with this approach, advocating for all vehicles to meet high safety standards regardless of ownership history. Officer clarified that vehicles undergo thorough MOT history checks and compliance testing to ensure roadworthiness, and significant failures are considered during licensing decisions. In addition, officers advised that the policy aligns with the broader county-wide standards, and that most vehicles are under 10 years old, with older vehicles subject to stricter criteria.

Members also expressed strong concerns about allowing individuals with past abduction convictions to become taxi drivers, regardless of how long ago the offense occurred, advocating for a permanent ban. Officers explained that current policies are guided by rehabilitation principles and statutory guidance, which recommends a 10-year ban but allows for rehabilitation chances. However, officers acknowledged that applicants with violent offenses, especially abduction, are scrutinised heavily and often denied licences due to the severity of their records and associated offenses. Furthermore, Members argued the appropriateness and implications of a 10-year ban on dangerous driving convictions for taxi and private hire drivers. They expressed discomfort with the length of the ban, suggesting it may be overly punitive and advocating for reconsideration. Members drew attention to the statutory guidance under the Rehabilitation of Offenders order, particularly document Annex A, which highlights regulated activities involving interaction with children, noting that the largest users of private hire vehicles in the district are related to special educational needs transport. They raised concerns about public safety and the need for stringent checks. Officers responded by confirming that drivers must be licensed both by the local licensing authority and Hertfordshire County Council.

Members queried the absence of explicit provisions for SEND children in contractual documents, and the need for drivers to be aware of potential behaviours such as absconding or disruptive conduct during transport. Officers responded by emphasising the rigorous safeguarding training drivers undergo before obtaining licenses and additional bespoke training mandated by Hertfordshire County Council, specifically for SEND  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34