Taxi Liaison Group - 17/02/2014

At a MEETING of the TAXI LIAISON GROUP held at Dundee on 17th February, 2014.

APPENDIX III

Present:-

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL OFFICER REPRESENTATIVES

Stuart GALLOWAY, Principal General Services Officer, Corporate Services Department

Brian WOODCOCK, Senior Solicitor, Licensing, Corporate Services Department

Neil GELLATLY, Head of Transportation, City Development Department

TAXI TRADE REPRESENTATIVES

Steve CASHLEY, Dundee 505050 Ltd

Erik THORESEN, Dundee Hackney Association

David YOUNG, Dundee Private Hire Ltd

Graeme STEPHEN, Dundee Taxi Association

Willie LEES, GMB

Doug INGLIS, Handy Taxis

John CURRAN, Tele Taxis

Chris ELDER, Unite the Union

POLICE SCOTLAND REPRESENTATIVES

John CALDWELL, (Constable)

Cammy FORBES, (Constable)

Stuart GALLOWAY, in the Chair.

I DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL

(a) TAXI DRIVER TRAINING PILOT EVALUATION

There was circulated a document providing feedback of those drivers who took part in training at Dundee College.

The Group noted the content of the evaluation as provided and the opportunity to make deputation to the meeting of the Licensing Committee to be held on 27th March, 2014, should they so wish.

(b) TAXI MARSHALS PROPOSAL - COSTINGS

Stuart Galloway reported on Taxi Marshals Proposal - costings. It was indicated that costs would be applied at time of renewal of Taxi Driver Licence and that these would amount to approximately 30 per driver. The benefits of the establishment of Taxi Marshals were highlighted for the provision of order and control particularly in the vicinity of G-Casino and that they could contribute positively towards public safety and also for the safety of taxi drivers and patrons. The proposal was for the appointment of two positions of Taxi Marshals and that this would be funded for a period of three years. It was also highlighted the other roles of Taxi Marshals would be to encourage the proper use of ranking and full training would be undertaken and provided to Taxi Marshals on issues including laws in which they would be required to uphold.

The Group noted that the proposal for the introduction of two Taxi Marshals would be reported to the meeting of the Licensing Committee and that members of the Group and interested parties would have the opportunity to make deputation to the Committee should they so wish.

(c) TAXI FEES - IMPACT OF TAXI MARSHAL COSTINGS

The Group noted that there may be option to give consideration to the impact of Taxi Marshals costings at conclusion of pilot period should it be considered that there were other means of providing for their costings over a period of peak demand for service.

(d) TAXI RANKS - INCLUDING POSSIBILITY OF DROP OFF POINT IN NETHERGATE

The Group noted anecdotal evidence from drivers who had undertaken the pilot course for Taxi Driver training and that they considered that there may be opportunities for the area between Debenhams and the City Square to be utilised as a drop-off area for passengers.

The Group noted that drivers may drop off passengers by the side of the road where double yellow lines were present unless the kerb was marked with two or three yellow stripes.

Stuart GALLOWAY, Chair.