Taxi Liaison Group - 14/03/2002

At a MEETING of the TAXI LIAISON GROUP held at Dundee on 14th March, 2002.

Present:-

Members of Dundee City Council

Representing the Dundee Taxi Association

Representing the T&GWU

Doug Martin

Representing Private Hire

Representing Tayside Police

Officers of Dundee City Council

Councillor Regan, Convener, in the Chair.

1 APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were intimated on behalf of Councillor A Dawson, Councillor B Mackie and Peter Longmuir (T&GWU).

2 TAXI TESTING FACILITIES

There was submitted a report by the Director of Support Services reviewing both the fees charged by the Test Centre and the operation of the current taxi testing regime.

It was agreed that:-

(i)the current testing regime continue for a further year with a review of the pre-booking system and number of tests per annum taking place at that time;

(ii)the fee structure as detailed be introduced on 1st April, 2002.

It was further agreed that the Plant and Vehicle Officer meet with the Trade Union to discuss taxi retests.

3 TAXI - SURVEY

Iain Sherriff gave an update on the taxi survey. It was agreed that a full survey take place in August/September, 2002 at a probable cost of 15,000.

The taxi operators agreed in principle but would confirm their decision.

4 LICENCE FEES

Recommended no increase in fees apart from the 10 fee for the Disability Awareness Training Course.

5 TAXI FARES

Report circulated on review of taxi fares. It was suggested that a review of the fares structure be included in the taxi survey to be undertaken in August/September, 2002. It was noted by the taxi operators that other costs, such as insurance, had increased and this had not been taken into account in the report submitted.

As an interim measure, it was agreed to convene a small sub-group under the chairmanship of Iain Sherriff to look at comparative costs.

6 SAFETY SHIELD

Graeme Stephen spoke to the Group on the development of a safety shield for taxi drivers. It was agreed to look at this proposal.

7 MULTI - TARIFF

To be discussed at next meeting.

8 TAXI WAITING LIST

To be discussed at a future meeting.

GEORGE REGAN, Convener.