Up to thirty minutes will be made available for questions from members of the public on issues relating to the work of the Committee and to receive any petitions.
Minutes:
Five questions were received from members of the public with regards to Item 8 “Review of the Standard Conditions for the Licensing of Hackney Carriage Vehicles”. All questions (which were written as received from the questioners) were circulated to Members prior to the meeting and projected onto the presentation screen. The Chairman responded with answers accordingly whilst further debate by Members took place under Item 8:
Question 1 - from Chris Fletcher
“I would like to ask the council why they refuse to enforce the bylaws for which we have to abide by when it comes to out-of-town private hires and taxis. The government malicious act of 1976. I think the new proposals are totally ridiculous burn in mind the state of the taxi trade at the moment there is no work for a disabled vehicle whatsoever we can’t even make the minimum wage as it is let alone being forced to have a disabled taxi we should sort out the problems we already have running costs are too high at the moment compared to the fare we get for doing a job it’s about time the council done something to help us not to hinder us”.
Answer:
Thank you for your question. The byelaws are implemented under section 68 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and relate purely to locally licensed hackney carriage vehicles. Therefore in the context of this consultation about Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, matters regarding out of town vehicles are unfortunately not relevant. However I can confirm that the council carries out all its enforcement in accordance with the appropriate legislation and our adopted enforcement policy.
Taking account of our duties to promote equality and diversity and following our consultation it has been shown that there is a demand for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles and that is why we are proposing these new conditions.
Question 2 – from Mohammed Ali (not in attendance to ask the question)
I am concerned about the recently proposed Vehicles-Licence conditions.
2.1 - Because the purpose built vehicle with ECWVTA-M1 type approval may be £25-£30 thousand. I don't think so, el Hat Taxi drivers cannot afford to buy these types of vehicles. I believe, that the present terms and conditions for passenger safety are perfect. Furthermore, we do not need to follow the European Community's rules and regulations anymore because of Brexit.
2.5 -What is the motivation of standard silver colour Vehicle with display WHBC Crests? Is for a show off Or recognize a Taxi ? WHBC is a small place, most of the passengers know the Taxi and Taxi drivers. In my opinion, it's not meeting any different safety issues. And also, there's unnecessary extra costs involved for standards silver colour vehicle. I believe, I can't afford to spend extra money for that type of vehicle. I personally oppose the condition.
3.1 - I think, driver badge is enough to identify the drivers. No need to display a internal plate. I have been driving a taxi for the last 10 years, I never heard of any illegal drivers in this area.
3.2 - I think, it is unnecessary to display an internal Licence plate in the Vehicle. A taxi plate is enough to recognize a taxi. For example: thousands of PCO vehicles are displayed one small Sticker for recognize the private (Taxi).
7.1 - I don't think so, HCV need to build and not detachable roof sign. Specifically in the night time park taxi sign notice by rober very easily. It's raise an issue of crime.
I am addressing few issues to consider for all passenger's safety. The main issues are cross border drivers. "Cross border drivers" are not maintained or meet the standard and safety of WHBC conditions. Council needs to make sure vehicle standards, safety and accessibility. Because they carrying the same passengers in welhat area. How come more than 100 cross border drivers working in welhat area? Who going to measure their standard and safety? I would be grateful if you ensure that all cross border cabs are safe for all passengers including wheel chair users. And maintain a Welwyn Hatfield borough council's standards. I think, WHBC has to think about drivers earning and living standards. There is 50% business are gone down last few years. Because of Cross border driver. Most of WHBC drivers can't make minimum wage anymore. For shacks of drivers please "stop cross border drivers" immediately. Every local council has their own law. If they want they can impose to stop cabcompany not employ any cross border drivers for standard and safety reasons. For example, Stevenage Hackney carriage office not allowed to employ any cross border drivers in their area.
Answer:
Thank you for your question. The proposed condition does not require the purchase of a brand new vehicle as it proposes that the vehicle must be under four years of age. As part of our policy development research has shown that a vehicle complying with the proposed conditions could, for example, be purchased on a 2018 plate with 17000 miles for £12,000 plus VAT. It is clear that older vehicles can be purchased for less than that price.
The current conditions are for M1 type approval which is currently the approved standard. Until the terms under which the United Kingdom will leave the European Union become clear, it is not possible to answer further regarding Brexit.
It was decided by this Committee that a proposed condition regarding a single manufacturer’s colour would be appropriate and the Committee proposed that colour to be silver. One of the purposes of licensing vehicles is to ensure public safety and the proposed condition is designed to help ensure the public can identify locally licensed vehicles and have confidence in the vehicle and its driver. Research has shown that there is no extra cost involved in obtaining a silver vehicle as it is a standard manufacturers colour, and the condition does not propose any multiple colour scheme for example the inclusion of a stripe or complex livery.
As there are many visitors to the borough and its numerous attractions it cannot be assumed that taxi services are used by local residents only.
A drivers badge should be displayed but often it is not, for example if it has become obscured by clothing. There have been a number of recent concerns and convictions regarding illegal drivers in the area and the proposed condition requiring an internal plate is there to enable any passenger to identify the vehicle without having to challenge the driver, if it is believed to be a problem or issue that they wish to report.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are purpose built vehicles with an integral sign thus ensuring the sign cannot be detached or stolen.
We acknowledge national concerns about cross border issues which arise from changes in the legislation, however we are currently awaiting legislation to allow local officers to inspect and monitor out of area vehicles, in line with the recommendations put forward by the task and finish group in relation the proposed national guidance. Currently cross border hire is lawful in line with the Deregulation Act 2015 and our enforcement policy sets out our approaches to enforcement.
Finally I can confirm that this council does not accept dual licenced vehicles.
Question 3 – from Nancy Young
Will the new conditions apply to WCAV only or all Hackney Carriage vehicles and who is providing the funds for all these changes?
Question asked on behalf of all Welwyn and Hatfield taxi drivers.
Answer:
Thank you for your question. It is proposed that the conditions will apply to all Hackney Carriages on a grant of a new licence in accordance with our current terms and conditions. This means that on attaining 8 years of age the vehicle will be removed from the fleet and there will be condition that it be replaced by a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
Question 4 – from Mohammad Juber (not in attendance to ask the question)
My question is regarding the proposed livery on the vehicles. Currently all Hackney have for hire signs and its clear to the public which vehicles are taxis. Given this fact why do we need liveries?
Answer:
Thank you for your question. I have already provided an answer regarding the reasons for the proposed condition requiring vehicles to be standard colour.
Question 5 – from Syed Ahmed Raza
I don’t agree with the vehicles being changed to all wheelchair access as firstly they are too expensive and secondly not enough space on the rank for such big vehicles. If council issues new plates then maybe they should demand wheelchair access.
Answer:
Thank you for your question. I have already provided an answer regarding potential additional costs.
As regards vehicle size, our research shows the overall length of a wheelchair accessible vehicle is no greater than standard saloon. The proposed condition is that newly licensed vehicles will be wheelchair accessible.