Taxi Liaison Group - 26/05/2014

At a MEETING of the TAXI LIAISON GROUP held at Dundee on 26th May, 2014.

APPENDIX IV

Present:-

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL OFFICER REPRESENTATIVES

Stuart GALLOWAY, Principal General Services Officer, Corporate Services Department

Brian WOODCOCK, Senior Solicitor, Licensing, Corporate Services 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

Wayne O'HARE, Dundee Taxi Ltd

Willie LEES, GMB

John CURRAN, Tele Taxis

Chris ELDER, Unite the Union

Stuart GALLOWAY, in the Chair.

I DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL

(a) TAXI DRIVER TRAINING VRQ

There was tabled a training proposal for VRQ Level 2 - Introduction to Role of the Professional Taxi Driver and Private Hire. The training would be delivered on-site at Dundee & Angus College, Kingsway Campus, Old Glamis Road, Dundee. It was reported that the role of the professional taxi and private hire driver was a QCF Level 2 Qualification and was intended for those working for or aspiring to work as a taxi driver or private hire driver. It was a VRQ vocationally related qualification and consisted of nine mandatory units which covered key issues in the taxi and private hire work environment. The world host customer service training was also imbedded in the delivery which would assist in raising the profile and service standards. The qualification met the required criteria that were recommended by the Licensing Committee for Dundee City Council. The course would be delivered through a variety of models to suit the shift patterns of the drivers which would include scheduled workshops and self-directed study over a maximum period of four weeks. Additional to this, tutor support would be provided if required.

The mandatory units were:-

- health and safety in the taxi and private hire work environment;

- road safety when driving passengers in a taxi or private hire vehicle;

- professional customer service in the taxi and private hire industry;

- taxi and private hire vehicle maintenance and safety inspections;

- regulatory framework of the taxi and private hire industry;

- taxi and private hire services for passengers who require assistance;

- routes and fares in the taxi and private hire vehicles industries;

- transporting parcels, luggage and other items in the taxi and private hire industries;

- transporting of children and young persons by taxi or private hire vehicle.

Additional units would be world host principles of customer service.

Each unit would be assessed externally using the SAQ assessment system. The cost of the course would be approximately 400 per candidate. The principles of world host were explained and it was highlighted that the ambition of the city was to become a world host destination in light of the regeneration of Dundee Waterfront along with the new V & A Museum of Design, Dundee which would physically transform the city with a new station new hotels and new investment in leisure facilities including a marina at City Quay. World host aimed to offer and rival customer service experience for the entire visitor journey and the Council had started training their key staff including refuse collectors, parking attendants and front of house leisure staff, the Overgate, the Wellgate and a number of bars, restaurants and independent shops who had also seen the value of the aims of becoming a world host destination and had sought to undertake the world host course. The course offered by Dundee and Angus College would also serve to be another course for selection for interested parties in the taxi trade to further their participation and choice. It was highlighted that course providers were also keen to involve as many representatives from the taxi trade as possible in the delivery of courses in the capacity as tutors. Further to this, assistance would be available for any course participants who may consider themselves to require further assistance in understanding language or attainment possibilities.

The Group noted the position.

(b) TESTING CENTRE - SEAT COVERS

Graeme Stephen highlighted a particular matter in relation to requirements of taxi test concerning the use of seat covers on the back seat and the difficulties incurred by operators to accord with this requirement.

The Group noted that staff at the Testing Centre were looking at this matter and may seek to amend the requirements of the test to make allowance for this facility.

Graeme Stephen highlighted the issue in relation to paintwork checks and concern that the 21 day period was not being adhered to by operators when required to report to the Testing Centre on suitable repairs.

The Group noted the importance to adhere to this requirement and that the non-adherence of this by taxi operators would be discussed with staff at the Testing Centre with a view to enforcement action being carried out for those taxi operators who were not adhering to the requirements.

(d) CARRIAGE OF GROCERIES AND CHILDREN WITHIN PEUGEOT E7 VEHICLES

John Curran raised the matter of the carriage of groceries and children with Peugeot E7 vehicles.

The Group noted that this issue would be examined and that in the meantime it was considered that there may be legislation provided by the Department of Transport which allowed for this.

(e) TAXI LICENCE HOLDER BADGE IDENTIFICATION - NAMES ON TAXI BADGES

Chris Elder raised the above matter.

The Group noted that the names of licence holders would remain on taxi badges until next renewal period at which time they would be removed.

Stuart GALLOWAY, Chair.

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