Agenda item

Consideration of the Results of the Hackney Carriage Unmet Demand Survey

Minutes:

The Chairman drew Members’ attention to a study which had been undertaken by LVSA (Licensed Vehicle Surveys and Assessment) which sought to identify unmet demand in relation to the licensed Hackney Carriage trade and whether there were any particular sectors whose needs were not being met.  He referred to what action the Council might take if there was no “significant” unmet demand. 

 

The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) explained that there had been some concerns about over supply and that standards had fallen; of concerns about vehicles being wheelchair accessible and support of green initiatives such as electric cars.  Members were reminded that if a decision were to be taken to limit the number of Hackney Carriage licences to figure below the current level, then the policy would have to go back out to consultation with the trade. Responses would be bought back to Members for consideration and then to Council for determination.

 

Mr McDonald (LVSA) provided the context of the survey in terms of the consultations carried out and highlighted the key points.  The survey concluded that there was no significant unmet demand.  Mr McDonald referred to the demand profiles in relation to Hertford and Bishop’s Stortford, adding that the majority of hirers were pre-bookings and that migration of drivers between the towns did not appear to be an issue. 

 

Councillor S Bell sought and was provided with clarification regarding the possible impact of UBER on the Hackney Carriage trade.  It was noted that in this District, private hire operators primarily worked on the basis of the loyalty of  customers and that UBER hires were more effective in cities. 

 

In response to a query from Councillor C Wilson, Mr McDonald explained the parameters of the survey adding that all of the trade, including sole traders, had been included in the survey.  The Chairman commented that the survey had revealed that private hire work represented the bulk of Hackney Carriage trade.  He further commented that East Herts might have approximately 47 too many Hackney carriage vehicles and that to limit numbers to 200 might be an aspiration going forward, with a reduction in numbers occurring by natural wastage and policies being applied flexibly.

 

Councillor C Wilson commented that new applicants might have newer vehicles.  The Service Manager (Licensing and Enforcement) agreed that there was a need to be flexible and to apply licensing policies in an open minded manner but that existing policies such as the vehicle age and emissions policy were already driving up standards 

 

It was moved by Councillor D Andrews and seconded by Councillor N Symonds 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 to be reduced by natural wastage and that this approach be adopted as a basis for further consultation.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared carried.

 

RESOLVED – that the number of Hackney Carriage vehicle licences issued by this authority should be capped.  The Hackney Carriage trade to be consulted on the proposed limit of 200 licences with the results of that consultation to be bought back to Licensing Committee for consideration.

 

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