Issue - meetings

The Director of Neighbourhood Services submitted a report detailing a proposed methodology for engaging with the East Herts hackney carriage and private hire drivers, proprietors and operators.

The Senior Specialist Licensing Officer referred to the need to ensure that the travelling public had a safe and successful journey.  He suggested that meetings be arranged to speak with the licensed trade in order to consider any issues they had.  The Chairman referred to a scrutiny review of taxi licensing in 2012 when some of the licensed trade had been aggressive. 

Members were concerned at the intention to hold 26 separate two-hour meetings over a period of two weeks.  The Senior Specialist Licensing Officer stated that this figure was an estimate and that not all of the meetings might be required.  He explained that it was important that the entire trade was given the opportunity to comment on their issues.

Councillor Mrs R Cheswright suggested that it might help the process by submitting a questionnaire to the licensed trade asking about their concerns in advance of arranging a meeting.  This was supported.

Members received the report.

RESOLVED – that (A) the report be received; and

(B)   the plan for engagement with the licensed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire trade, including the use of a questionnaire as a first step, be approved as now submitted.