Taxi Liaison Group - 08/03/2007

At a MEETING of the TAXI LIAISON GROUP held at Dundee on 8th March, 2007.

Present:-

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

BAILIE

Bruce D MACKIE

COUNCILLORS

TAXI TRADE REPRESENTATIVES

George HARRIS, Tay Taxis

Graeme STEPHEN, Dundee Taxi Association

Steve CASHLEY, 505050 Taxis

Doug INGLIS, Handy's Taxis

Scott SOMERVILLE, DWTA

John Curran, Tele Taxis

Chris ELDER, TGWU

David YOUNG, DTCC

Ewan REID, Limousines

TAYSIDE POLICE REPRESENTATIVES

Alec SELFRIDGE, Tayside Police (Constable)

Cammy FORBES, Tayside Police (Constable)

OFFICERS

Stuart GALLOWAY, Principal General Services Officer

Brian WOODCOCK, Senior Solicitor, Licensing

Ian McCANDLESS, Plant and Vehicle Officer

Bailie Bruce D MACKIE, Convener, in the Chair.

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillors Helen Dick, Neil I C Powrie, Joe Morrow, Andy Dawson and Jim Barrie.

I CABS ENFORCEMENT UNIT - PC CAMMY FORBES

The Convener welcomed PC Cammy Forbes to his first meeting of the Taxi Liaison Group.  Constable Forbes had been appointed to the Cab Enforcement Unit as an additional Cabs Enforcement Officer.

II MINUTE OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minute of meeting held on 20th September, 2006 was submitted and approved.

III QUANTITIES OF LICENSED TAXIS/PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES

Mr Cashley explained that this issue had been raised as there was concern amongst the Trade about the number of Private Hire Vehicles and difficulties in differentiating between class of licence. 

Concern was also raised about the non participation of some licence holders in the Taxi Card Scheme.

Mr Somerville reported that there was general concern about a perceived increase in the number of Taxi Operators.

In relation to Private Hire Licences, Mr Galloway reported that the Licensing Committee did not have powers to limit the number of licences, however the conditions of licence could be reviewed with regard to making identification easier.

In relation to the number of Taxi Operators Licences, Mr Galloway reminded the Group of the provision of the Disability Discrimination Act and other policy decisions taken by the Licensing Committee in that regard.  On enquiry Mr Galloway further outlined issues in relation to Corporate Licences.

In relation to the non-participation of licence holders in the Taxi Card Scheme, Mr Galloway advised the Group that he would raise this matter with the Planning and Transportation Department.

The Group noted accordingly.

IV TAXI TEST FEES

There was submitted by the Plant and Vehicle Officer a paper outlining the proposed Taxi Test Fees for 2007/2008.

The Group agreed to fees as outlined.

V LICENCE FEES

The Group noted that there would be no increase in Licence Fees for 2007/2008.

VI TESTING OF LIMOUSINES

The Group noted that the Testing of Limousines was consistent with that of other licences and there was no differentiation.

VII SMOKING IN TAXIS

The Group noted that 60 fixed penalty notices had been issued to date for smoking in taxis, 50 of which had been issued to Taxi Drivers.

VIII INLAND REVENUE REGISTRATION

On a reference to Article III of the minute of meeting of 20th September, 2006, the Group noted that revised application forms for renewal of licence had been drawn up in consultation with relevant agencies and that these would be piloted for renewal of Taxi Operators' Licences and thereafter would be cascaded to all other types of licence.  Members of the Trade would be advised of the new forms in advance and the process which would be undertaken.

IX SPECIAL EVENT PRIVATE HIRE - TYPE OF VEHICLES

The Group noted that it would be for each individual applicant to put forward representation to a meeting of the Licensing Committee in support of their application for a special event Private Hire Licence.

X THEFTS FROM TAXIS

The Group noted that information posters would be distributed to all Taxi Offices within Dundee by Tayside Police to raise awareness amongst drivers and operators of the need to ensure that valuables were removed from unattended vehicles as crime figures had revealed an increase in thefts from unattended taxis.  To support this awareness campaign, stickers would also be made available which could be affixed at a suitable location on car windows stating that all valuables had been removed from the vehicle.

XI NATIONAL DRIVER IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

The Group noted that this issue was still being examined.

XII WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES

The Group noted that this item had been covered during consideration of Article III.

XIII TARRIFF REVIEW

The Group noted that Mr Cashley would progress this matter with Planning and Transportation on behalf of the Trade.

XIV DRESS CODE AND STANDARDS

The Group noted the importance of enforcing dress code and standards and that this was a condition of licence.  Non adherence to condition could lead to a report being submitted to the Licensing Committee on fitness of licence holder.

XV INDEPENDENT AIRPORT TRANSFER COMPANIES

The Group noted that if they had any information on unlicensed operation by Independent Airport Transfer Companies within Dundee that they should contact the Cabs Enforcement Unit.

XVI RANK SPACES

The Group noted that Stuart Galloway would discuss this matter with the Planning and Transportation Department.

XVII TYPES OF ACCEPTABLE VEHICLES

The Group noted that this item had been covered during consideration of Article III.

XVIII FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS

The Group noted that the frequency of meetings should be deferred until after the elections in May 2007 at which time the Trade could discuss their proposals with the newly appointed Convener of the Licensing Committee.

XIX END OF OFFICE - TRIBUTE TO BAILIE BRUCE D MACKIE

The members of the Trade paid tribute to the service of Bailie Mackie during his term of office as Convener of the Licensing Committee and Convener of the Taxi Liaison Group.

Bailie Mackie thanked the Group for their appreciation and indicated that he had found the position to be both an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Bruce D MACKIE, Convener.

APPENDIX II