Council considered a report submitted by the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, setting out the recommendations made by the Licensing Committee at its meeting of 30 October 2019.
Councillor P Boylan referred to results of the survey on unmet demand and the conclusion of the Committee that there was no significant unmet demand. A limit on the number of hackney carriage licences was proposed.
In reply to a question from Councillor T Beckett, Councillor Boylan confirmed that the reduction of licences would be achieved through natural wastage.
Councillor P Boylan proposed, and Councillor G McAndrew seconded, a motion that the recommendations as detailed be supported.
The motion being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.
RESOLVED – that a limit of 200 be imposed on the number of hackney carriage vehicle licences that are issued from 1 January 2020.
The Senior Licensing and Enforcement Officer drew Members’ attention to the results of the consultation, which took place between 26 August 2019 and 19 September 2019, to limit the number of Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licences. Approximately 250 consultation letters were sent and a total of three responses were received. It was noted that the first response agreed with the proposal and further suggested that the limit of licences issued should be set between 180-190, however a reason for this was not provided. The second response noted that it was too little too late and the third response agreed with the proposal and accounted for the views of 9 licenced drivers.
Councillor D Andrews acknowledged that the lack of response suggested that those in the trade were not unduly worried about the proposed limit.
Councillor M McMullen sought and was provided with clarification that the limit would not affect current licence holders. The number of licences would diminish through natural wastage and polices being applied flexibly. New applications could still be submitted with each application considered in its own merits. Electric vehicles with disabled access could receive dispensation.
Councillor M Stevenson commented on the effects of vehicles from other areas operating in Hertford, as mentioned in the first consultation response. It was advised that Licensing Officers actively patrolled local areas to enforce regulations.
In response to a query from Councillor M Goldspink, it was noted that the limit would be monitored by Licencing Officers and could be reviewed in the future if required.
It was moved by Councillor M McMullen and seconded by Councillor S Reed that the Hackney Carriage trade be limited to 200 with a flexible approach being taken in terms of the application of policy in relation to wheelchair accessible vehicles and electric vehicles. The overall number would be reduced by natural wastage and this approach should be adopted. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared carried.
RESOLVED – that (A) the proposed limit of 200 Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licences was the correct level;
(B) recommend to Council that a limit be imposed on the number of Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licences that were issued, including the level of that limit from 1st January 2020.