Taxi Liaison Group - 09/08/2016

At a MEETING of the TAXI LIAISON GROUP held at Dundee on 9th August, 2016.

Present:-

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL OFFICER REPRESENTATIVES

Stuart GALLOWAY (Principal General Services Officer), Corporate Services

Brian WOODCOCK (Senior Solicitor, Licensing), Corporate Services

Fraser CRICHTON (Assistant Manager, Transport), City Development Services

Neil GELLATLY (Head of Roads and Transportation), City Development Services

Craig SOMERS (Environmental Compliance Team Manager), Neighbourhood Services

Daniel GARVEN (Licensing Standards Officer), Neighbourhood Services

Bryan COLEMAN (Licensing Standards Officer), Neighbourhood Services

TAXI TRADE REPRESENTATIVES

Steve CASHLEY, Dundee 505050 Limited

David YOUNG, Dundee Private Hire (203020) Ltd

Graeme STEPHEN, Dundee Taxi Association

George SCULLION, Dundee Taxis Ltd

Willie LEES, GMB Union

George HARRIS, Tay Taxis

Chris ELDER, Unite the Union

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE

Councillor David BOWES

Councillor Tom FERGUSON

David FINDLAY, Securigroup

Alan JONES, Matrix Telematics Ltd

Stuart GALLOWAY, in the Chair.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Erik THORESEN, Dundee Hackney Association.

I MINUTE OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minute of meeting of the Taxi Liaison Group held on 21st January, 2016 was submitted and noted for information and record purposes.

II DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL

Items on the agenda at request of Dundee City Council:-

(a) CCTV PRESENTATION BY MATRIX TELEMATICS LTD

The Group noted the content of the presentation by Matrix Telematics on their GPS tracking system for taxis and incident cam technology which provided live-streaming of incidents which occurred in the operation of the vehicle and the benefits that this system may bring to operators in terms of insurance costs and business projection and that the company were also in the course of developing a forward and rear facing and audio control camera system and that the company would make a further presentation to the Group once this technology had been developed.

(b) TAXI DRIVER TRAINING

Stuart Galloway spoke to the above item.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note that as advised by Chris Elder, Unite the Union had put approximately 200 of its members through the Taxi Driver Training Course and were looking at using another provider through ICQ;

(ii) to note the report from Steve Cashley that approximately 100 taxi drivers had completed the Taxi Driver Training Course provided by Dundee College and that further training courses provided by the college may be limited;

(iii) to note that 203020 Private Hire had put approximately 20 drivers through the Taxi Driver Training Course;

(iv) to note that funding would not be available after 31st May, 2017 for courses and neither would ILAs and that the GMB would be stopping their courses at the end of January as they required that you needed to be a member of the Union for six months before undertaking courses;

(v) to note that the Licensing Office when writing out to current licence holders reminding them of the renewal date for their licences would also remind them of the requirement that if they wished to be considered for renewal they would have to provide evidence of completion of an approved Taxi Driver Training Course and the position in relation to observances of Taxi Marshals at the G Casino; and

(vi) to note that the Licensing Office were currently investigating the rolling out of Taxi Driver Training Courses suitable for holders of Private Hire Car Driver Licences.

Stuart Galloway reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note that there was no online renewal system available for renewals due on 31st May, 2017 as the Licensing Office required hard copy evidence of Certificates of Completion of an approved Taxi Driver Training Course for any licence holders applying for renewal of their licence;

(ii) to note that the renewal application process would operate at Dundee House over a set period;

(iii) to note that a photo image of the licence holder would be taken at the same time as their renewal was processed at Dundee House and that new badges would be provided by 31st June, 2017; and

(iv) to note that there be a different type of badge of licence issued and that consideration would be given to the provision of some kind of identification for placement within the vehicle with a picture of the driver and their name on an A6 laminated display.

(d) ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Stuart Galloway reported on the matters below.

(i) New Taxi Licences - Electric Vehicles Only

The Group agreed to the proposal that any new Taxi Licences would only be issued to new electric vehicles from the approved list held by the Licensing Office.

(ii) New Private Hire Car Licences - Electric Vehicles Only

The Group agreed to the proposal that new Private Hire Car Licences be issued for electric vehicles only in accordance with the approved list held by the Licensing Office.

(iii) Reduction in Test Fee

The Group noted that there would be a reduction of 10 on the test fee.

(iv) Proposed Rank for Electric Vehicles Only

The Group noted that the rank at Malmaison Hotel would be proposed for use by electric taxis only.

(v) Taxi Bid - Update by Fleet Management

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note that there was not enough infrastructure currently in place in the city to fulfil the requirements of the city bid;

(ii) to note that the City Development Department had commenced process of procurement for 1.68 million project and other Councils were now joining the procurement process;

(iii) to note that infrastructure required to be in place by April, 2017;

(iv) to note that 15 rapid chargers and 50+ slower chargers were currently in place in the city at this time; and

(v) to note that there were currently three charging hubs being developed to be placed in Princes Street, Lochee and Broughty Ferry.

(e) TAXI RANKS

Stuart Galloway reported on the matters below.

(i) Dundee Airport - Markings

The Group noted that the airport maintained the road in front of the airport and confirmation on transport arrangements were being examined and views of the Trade in this area were welcomed.

(ii) Ward Road - Permanent Relocation to Albert Square requested

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note the Trade considered the Albert Square rank to be best placed to meet their needs and that Ward Road may be removed; and

(ii) to note that consideration be given to making what was the feeder rank at No 1 Public House for Ward Road into a rank on its own.

(iii) Speedwell Bar - Noise Complaints

The Group noted that noise complaints had been received in relation to noise from vehicles at the Speedwell Bar and that the City Development Department would keep this under review.

(f) TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES CAR CLOCKING

The Group noted the content of the information which was provided in relation to alerting Taxi and Private Hire vehicle owners of criminality in relation to clocking of vehicles.

III DUNDEE 505050 LIMITED

Items on the agenda at request of Dundee 505050 Limited:-

(a) CORPORATE LICENCES - FOLLOWING ON FROM A VERY BRIEF DISCUSSION AT THE LICENSING MEETING, MAY I REQUEST THAT THE SUBJECT OF CORPORATE LICENCES BE DISCUSSED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE TAXI LIAISON GROUP AND THE TERMS VARIED TO ALLOW EXECUTORS (NORMALLY WIDOWS) TO REALISE A LITTLE FINANCIAL SOLACE THROUGH PERMITTING THEM TO CONVERT LICENCES FROM THE DECEASED'S NAME TO EITHER A COMPANY NAME OR A PARTNERSHIP. THIS SMALL ACT OF COMPASSION WOULD ACKNOWLEDGE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRESS AND LOSS BEING SUFFERED.

Steve Cashley reported on the above.

The group noted the position as explained by the Legal Officer in relation to corporate licences and what was previously referred to as widows plates and that the proposal to reintroduce this would not be lawful.

(b) VIDEO ENABLED VEHICLE TRACKING.

Steve Cashley reported on the above.

The Group noted that there was a firm in Cumbernauld which provided video enabled vehicle tracking.

IV DUNDEE HACKNEY ASSOCIATION

Items on the agenda at request of Dundee Hackney Association:-

(a) Postcode taxi drivers

(b) Overcharging passengers

(d) Review the downturn in actual passengers using taxis and also income lost

The Group agreed to note that in the absence of a representative for Dundee Hackney Association there was no report to be provided and, as such, the above matters were not considered by the Group.

V DUNDEE TAXI ASSOCIATION

Items on the agenda at request of Dundee Taxi Association:-

(a) CONCERN OVER NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING BUS AND TAXI LANES.

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group noted that this concern was for Police Scotland to enforce and that the Licensing Office would raise the concern of the Taxi Association with the Police.

(b) IT'S ABOUT TIME TAXIS COULD USE BUS LANE AT NINEWELLS. THE DISTANCE FROM A&E IS 2.2 MILES AND METERS 6.06.

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group noted that a report would be required from an Engineer from the Council for submission to a future meeting as to the suitability of this road for this purpose and whether or not it was currently maintained to a sufficient standard to allow for through traffic and whether or not it was privately maintained.

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note that the charger at the Greenmarket Car Park took 35 to 40 minutes for full charge however free parking was limited to 30 minutes; and

(ii) to note that City Development Department would look to accommodate the duration of the full charge within the free parking and that Fraser Crichton would be remitted to liaise with car parking management to allow for an extra five or ten minutes within the free parking limit to avoid Taxi Drivers having to pay 2 for the two hour duration.

(d) ANY NEWS ON THE TESTING OF HIRED TAXIS FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES.

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group noted that Stuart Galloway would report back on this matter at the December meeting.

VI GMB UNION

Items on the agenda at request of GMB Union:-

(a) ELECTRIC TAXIS - WHEN AN ELECTRIC TAXI PICKS UP A HIRE THEN THE HIRE MUST FINISH IN THAT TAXI.

Willie Lees reported on the above.

The Group noted that this proposal was unenforceable in terms of legislation.

(b) CORPORATE PLATES - PLATES WILL NEVER COME OFF. NEED FAIL SAFES PUT IN PLACE.

Willie Lees reported on the above.

The Group noted that this matter had been considered at Article III(a).

Willie Lees reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note the perception that the Trade had considered there was a problem with compliance with the dress code by individual Taxi Drivers and the non-checking of badges by the Licensing Standards Officers and that Craig Somers of Neighbourhood Services would encourage his staff request sight of badges and ensure observance of the dress code by Taxi Drivers;

(ii) to note that the dress code was currently being revised; and

(iii) to note that should any specific complaints be available in relation to the work carried out by the Licensing Standards Officers these should be reported accordingly to Craig Somers or the Licensing Office so that they may be investigated.

(d) SCOTTISH VOCATIONAL QUALIFICATION - IN DUNDEE A WASTE OF TAX PAYERS MONEY AND ALSO A WASTE OF TIME.

Willie Lees reported on the above.

The Group agreed to note that this matter had been covered at Article II(b).

(e) UNIFORMED FLEET.

The Group agreed to note that this item had been withdrawn from consideration.

VII UNITE THE UNION

Items on agenda at request of Unite the Union:-

(a) TAXI MARSHALS - WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE FOR A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE TAXI MARSHALS TO ATTEND THE TAXI LIAISON MEETING SO WE COULD PUT OUR CONCERNS REGARDING THE ISSUES ARISING AT THE CASINO?

Chris Elder reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note that the representative of the security group would remind Taxi Marshals at the G Casino of their obligations of service at the location so as to avoid any potential misinterpretation of their conduct during the course of their duties and would examine whether or not it was a training issue;

(ii) to note that reports of infringements at the G Casino had been submitted to the Licensing Office;

(iii) to note that the driver would be identified through the operators plate number and that habitual offenders would be reported for a hearing at a meeting of the Licensing Committee as to their suitability to be the holder of a Taxi Drivers Licence; and

(iv) to note that initially 150 reports had been received and this was now down to two or three over a weekend and that a further report would be submitted to the December meeting of the Group.

(b) SIGN ON TAXI RANKS IN THE TOWN CENTRE - CAN YOU PUT SIGNS UP ON THE TAXI RANKS IN THE CITY REGARDING PASSENGERS USING THE TAXI THAT IS POSITIONED FIRST ON THE RANK. THIS WOULD HELP WITH THE FRUSTRATION AND ARGUMENTS ON THE TAXI RANKS AS DRIVERS ARE PICKING UP AT THE REAR AND THE MIDDLE OF TAXI RANKS. THESE SIGNS WOULD HAVE TO BE A REASONABLE SIZE - PASSENGERS PLEASE USE FIRST TAXI ON THE RANK?

Chris Elder reported on the above.

The Group agreed to note the request that a polite notice be installed at ranks indicating for passengers to use the first car at the rank and that the installation of such notices would be dependent upon the depth of the footway and that further investigation would be required.

(c) ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HOW MANY ARE IN SITU AND WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OFFICERS TO BE ALLOCATED TO THE TAXI TRADE AND ARE THEY SOLELY FOR TAXI ENFORCEMENT. WHAT HOURS ARE THEY WORKING IE DAYS NIGHTS AND WEEKENDS AS THE TAXI TRADE IS A 24 HOUR BUSINESS?

The Group noted that the above matter had been covered at Article VI(c).

(d) ITS BEEN BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION FROM NUMEROUS NIGHT SHIFT DRIVERS, THAT SOME PRIVATE HIRE OPERATOR/DRIVERS ARE USING THE JET GARAGE OPPOSITE THE CASINO AT THE WEEKENDS TO ILLEGALLY PLY FOR HIRE THIS WE FEEL IS DUE TO THE RANK BEING OUT OF SIGHT AT THE BUS STOP.

The Group noted that should any illegal activity be witnessed that contact should be made with Police Scotland.

(e) NETHERGATE RANK.

The Group noted the perception by the Trade that over the period of closure of the Nethergate rank there was considered to be less congestion and taxis were channelled on to the rank and that as such there was no parking in bus bays across from the rank observed and that Neil Gellatly would further discuss this matter with Engineers.

(f) NAME ON BADGE TO BE REMOVED, OTHER BODIES IE COUNCIL OFFICIALS, BUS DRIVERS ETC DO NOT HAVE THEIR NAME ON SHOW, LIKE THE NAME BEING REMOVED FROM THE DOOR OF THE LICENSED VEHICLE THE BADGE SHOULD BE THE SAME.

The Group noted that this matter could not be supported and that checks had taken place with other local authorities such as Angus, Fife and Glasgow amongst seven others which require names to be displayed on badges.

(g) CAIRD AVENUE RANK TO BE MARKED OUT WHERE IT HAS BEEN EXTENDED INTO THE BUS STOP.

The Group noted that Legal were looking at this and a draft Order was being prepared.

VIII DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Group may be held in December 2016.

Stuart GALLOWAY, Chair.

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