Issue - meetings

The Director of Neighbourhood Services submitted a report in respect of the consultation responses regarding proposals to apply an appropriate mileage restriction beyond which vehicles would not be re-licensed as taxis.

Members were advised that, in response to a consultation suggesting a limit of 250,000 miles for private hire vehicles, Officers had been contacted by a number of taxi drivers who were opposed to such a limit.  The Interim Licensing Manager summarised the responses that had been received.

The Interim Licensing Manager explained that private hire vehicles tended to experience greater wear and tear from stop start driving whereas Hackney Carriages on similar mileages suffered less when used on longer journeys involving continuous movement.

Members were advised that a mileage limit of 250,000 miles would result in 16 vehicles no longer being available as private hire vehicles in East Herts.  The Committee had a general discussion regarding the merits of a mileage limit for private hire vehicles. 

Councillor E Bedford commented that a visual inspection of a vehicle was more relevant than the mileage of that vehicle.  Councillor K Crofton stated that there should no limit and Members should let the inspection regime maintain standards of the private hire vehicle fleet in East Herts.

The Interim Licensing Manager stated that the vehicle condition test was a visual inspection regime and provided an objective standard over which there could be no dispute.  Members were advised that the key issue was the comfort and safety of the public being protected by high standards within the private hire vehicle fleet.

Councillor N Poulton proposed and Councillor J Taylor seconded, a motion that there should be no mileage limit for private hire vehicles in East Herts and the situation be reviewed in 1 year.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

The Committee agreed that there would be no mileage limit for private hire vehicles in East Herts and the situation be reviewed after 1 year.

RESOLVED – that there would be no mileage limit for private hire vehicles in East Herts and the situation be reviewed after 1 year.