Taxi Liaison Group - 22/09/2004

At a MEETING of the TAXI LIAISON GROUP held at Dundee on 22nd September, 2004.

Present:-

BAILIES

COUNCILLORS

TAXI TRADE REPRESENTATIVES

TAYSIDE POLICE REPRESENTATIVE

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

Ms Patricia McIlquham, Depute Chief Executive (Support Services)

Bailie MACKIE, in the Chair.

I GUIDANCE NOTE FOR TESTING TAXIS/PRIVATE HIRE CARS AS LISTED

Following discussion, it was agreed that the Guidance Notes be recommended for approval by the Licensing Committee.

II NO SMOKING IN TAXIS

The Group agreed to the displaying of non-smoking signs in taxis which would be provided by Tayside Health Board and amendments to conditions of licence in relation to non-smoking in taxis which would also include taxi drivers whilst operating the vehicle as a taxi.

III TRAINING FOR TAXI DRIVERS

The Group gave discussion to a letter which had been received from the Driving Standards Agency and the Business Technology Education Council which had been submitted for consideration.

It was agreed that a Sub-Committee be convened to examine this issue and that the composition of the Sub-Committee be Head of Transportation, Stuart Galloway, Brian Woodcock, Steve Cashley, George Harris of DTA, Graeme Stephen of DTA, and representatives from the Transport and General Workers Union. This Sub-Committee would be convened by the Head of Transportation.

IV TAXI NUMBERS INCREASED BY 25% - NO NEW RANKS

The Group agreed that the Head of Transportation liaise with the taxi trade to establish where appropriate locations for ranks would be within the City of Dundee. This matter would also be included in the remit of the Sub-Committee which would be examining training for taxi drivers. In the meantime, it was noted by the Group that after 2300 hrs that it was lawful for taxi drivers to sit on any bus stop in the centre and that each bus stop within the centre had markings on it indicating this.

V CORPORATE LICENCES

Stuart Galloway explained issues in relation to Corporate Licences and the Group noted accordingly.

VI LICENCES PAID BY DIRECT DEBIT

It was reported that this would present problems with processing within the Finance Department and that, to avoid any problems of non-payment, the Council currently operated a renewal scheme which was open to all licence holders within Dundee to join to avoid any non-submission. It was also noted that applications could now be made on-line and that this would become operational in May 2005.

VII LORD PROVOST MARCH

The Group noted procedures would be put in place in relation to notification to taxi trade in relation to marches proceeding through the city centre.

VIII PUBLIC TRANSPORT, BUSES AND TAXIS

The Head of Transportation reported that on the use of streets in the city centre for buses and taxis and the possibility of shelters being provided at taxi ranks for drivers and public in the future.

IX WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES SAFETY

The Group noted that guidelines were being developed in relation to the licensing of stretch limousine hire vehicles which would also include airport travel companies.

X CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT, 1982  WHITE PLATES

There was discussion about the advertising on private hire vehicles and it was agreed that people's views be forwarded to Stuart Galloway in this respect.

XI NUMBERS REVIEW

It was reported that by 2010 all vehicles should be accessible and that by 2020 all replacement vehicles should be accessible.

XII AGE AND TYPE OF VEHICLES

Stuart Galloway explained to the Group issues in relation to the age and type of vehicle and control mechanisms in this regard.

XIII CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

There was noted the content of a report submitted by the DTA in relation to customer feedback.

XIV DIRECTIONAL SIGNS

The Group agreed that Planning and Transportation process issues in relation to information poles providing more information to tourist visitors and also to provide directions to locations where taxis could be obtained.

XV DATE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that a meeting of the Taxi Liaison Group be held in late November 2004.