Taxi Liaison Group - 29/03/2004

At a MEETING of the TAXI LIAISON GROUP held at Dundee on 29th March, 2004.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

Apologies for absence were submitted by Councillor Joe Morrow.

I LICENCE FEES

It was agreed that there would be no increase in licence fees.

II TESTING FEES

Agreed with effect from 1st April 2004:

Full Test                        Increase of 1 to 41

Pre-Test                        Increase of 1 to 31

Re-Test                        Fee of 13 for painterwork defects.

III REVIEW OF TAXI FARES

Report submitted by Director of Planning and Transportation on review of taxi fares.  As representatives of the taxi trade could not agree to an increase of only 4.22%, a small sub-group will look at a proposed increase for taxi fares and report back to a future meeting of the Liaison Group.

IV TRAINING FOR DRIVERS

Letter submitted from Angus College and Awards UK on training for drivers.  Whilst welcoming training Taxi operators raised concerns regarding funding.

It was agreed that training would become part of driver development and it was better to plan for it now.

This will be further discussed at future meetings and meantime other authorities would be contacted to ascertain how they undertake driver training.

V TAXI CARD SCHEME - UPDATE

Figures on uptake of the taxi card scheme were given and all members are to be written to regarding future development of the scheme.

Those who have not signed up will be asked to so do as a condition of their taxi licence.  It is hoped to avoid the use of voucher books for payment and other methods such as smart cards are being investigated.

VI TAXI METERS

Letter from DIS circulated requesting authority to approve Mulit-Tarriff or Clock Calendar meters.

It was agreed that this would be raised at the sub-group dealing with review of taxi fares and discussed at a future meeting of the Liaison Group.

VII TINTED WINDOWS

Memorandum circulated regarding tinted windows on taxis.  Concerns raised by the police about being unable to see inside a vehicle.  Proposed to use tint meter to ensure legal requirements for tinted windows are being met  It was agreed that these tests would take effect after consideration by the Licensing Committee.

VIII AGE AND TYPE OF VEHICLE

Discussion held on age and type of vehicles and the current age based testing system.  It was agreed that this subject would be placed on the next agenda and that a series of meetings will be held to agree a way forward.

IX DATE OF NEXT MEETING

To be arranged.

APPENDIX II