At a MEETING of the TAXI LIAISON GROUP held at Dundee on 22nd March 2005.

Present:-

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

BAILIE

Bruce MACKIE

COUNCILLORS

TAXI TRADE REPRESENTATIVES

George HARRIS, Tay Taxis

David YOUNG, 203020 Cab Company

Steve CASHLEY, 505050

Douglas INGLIS, Tele-Taxis

Graeme STEPHEN, Dundee Taxi Association

Roger PATERSON, Dundee Taxi Association

Chris ELDER, Transport and General Workers Union

Peter LONGMUIR, Transport and General Workers Union

OFFICERS

Ian McCANDLESS, Plant and Vehicle Officer

Stuart GALLOWAY, Principal General Services Officer

Brian WOODCOCK, Senior Solicitor

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Bailies Neil I C Powrie and John Corrigan, Councillors Fiona Grant, Elizabeth F Fordyce, Willie Sawers, Jim Barrie and Rod Wallace and Mr W McIntosh

Bailie MACKIE, in the Chair.

I MINUTE OF MEETING HELD ON 22ND SEPTEMBER 2005

The above minute was received as a correct record.

II LICENCE FEE

It was noted that there would be no increase in the licence fee for 2005.

III TEST CENTRE FEES

Paper detailing increases circulated and agreed.

IV TAXI FARES

It was agreed to submit the following request from the Taxi Trade to the Transportation Manager for inclusion with the annual review of fare increases:-

(i) Twenty pence on the drop and;

(ii) Small weekend surcharge.

V AGE AND TYPE OF VEHICLES

Consideration was given to letters from the Dundee Taxi Association and the TGWU relative to the above.

After discussion it was agreed to wait for a response from the Scottish Executive on what type of vehicles will be recommended and that the Council would upgrade from Low Volume Approval to European Whole Type Approval for new applicants in relation to wheelchair accessible vehicles. Current operators of these vehicles would not be affected.

VI TAXI RANKS

(a) NEW/IMPROVED RANKS

It was agreed to submit the above to the Sub-Group to deal with.

(b) NOTICE BOARDS

It was agreed to investigate the possibility of erecting notice boards at eight of the main taxi ranks.

(c) MARKINGS

It was highlighted that the markings on a number of taxi ranks require to be upgraded along with suitable signing. The matter will be taken up with the Planning and Transportation Department.

VII RACISM AMONGST TAXI DRIVERS

It was agreed to issue a Diversity Awareness guide to all licence holders.

VIII YOUTH PARADE 23RD APRIL 2005

The Group were advised of the route to be taken by the Youth Parade on 23rd April 2005 and of alternative temporary taxi rank in Crichton Street for the duration of the parade.

IX SMART CARD TECHNOLOGY

No decision has been taken on when the smart card technology will be implemented.

X EVENING ECONOMY WORKING GROUP

The importance of having representatives from the taxi trade on the above working group was highlighted. It was agreed that three members from the trade would be invited along to the next meeting on 12th April 2005.

XI AOCB

(i) TRAINING

The Taxi trade were concerned at the lack of drivers availability and sought to meet with relevant agencies to form a driver training programme with the outcome of producing more applicants for taxi driver licences.

XII DATE OF NEXT MEETING

To be advised.