Taxi Liaison Group - 20/12/2017

At a MEETING of the TAXI LIAISON GROUP held at Dundee on 20th December, 2017.

Present:-

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL OFFICER REPRESENTATIVES

LISA ARCHIBALD (Senior Electoral Services and Licensing Officer), Corporate Services

Brian WOODCOCK (Senior Solicitor, Licensing), Corporate Services

Fraser CRICHTON (Assistant Manager Transport), City Development Services

Craig SOMERS (Environmental Compliance Team Manager), Neighbourhood Services

Barry RODGER (Environmental Compliance Officer), Neighbourhood Services

Daniel GARVEN (Licensing Standards Officer), Neighbourhood Services

Bryan COLEMAN (Licensing Standards Officer, Neighbourhood Services

TAXI TRADE REPRESENTATIVES

Steve CASHLEY, Dundee 505050 Ltd

Billy RATTRAY, Dundee Private Hire (203020) Ltd

Erik THORESEN, Dundee Hackney Association

Graeme STEPHEN, Dundee Taxi Association

Qaiser HABIB, Dundee City Taxi Drivers Association

George SCULLION, Dundee Taxis

Alan SMITH, GMB Union

Doug INGLIS, Tele Taxis

Chris ELDER, Unite the Union

Lisa ARCHIBALD, in the Chair

Prior to commencement of the business, the Clerk reported on the sad passing of Mr David Young, Chief Executive of Dundee 203020 Private Hire Ltd, and the personal contribution he had made to the Taxi Trade and as a longstanding member of the Taxi Liaison Group over the years, and it was noted that the thoughts and wishes of the Liaison Group were with his wife and family at this time.

I MINUTE OF PREVIOUS MEETING

The minute of meeting of the Taxi Liaison Group held on 6th December, 2016 was submitted and noted for information and record purposes.

II DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL

Items on agenda at request of Dundee City Council:-

(a) TAXI FARES

Lisa Archibald reported on the above.

The Group noted:-

(i) that a review of the taxi fares formula would be undertaken in July, 2018;

(ii) that in light of the figures submitted, a check would be undertaken with the Head of Transportation as to whether or not it was to be proposed that there would be an increase in the taxi fares structure for 2018/2019; and

(iii) that if there was to be an increase on the basis as apparently outlined in the note, that there were no objections from the Liaison Group.

(b) TAXI METERS

Lisa Archibald reported on the above. The Group agreed to note that no adjustment is required to the meters fitted within taxis for the year 2018/2019 pending any further increase in taxi fares.

Fraser Crichton reported on the above. The Group noted that Fraser Crichton would submit a report to a future meeting of the Taxi Liaison Group on options in relation to the make-up of the taxi fleet in terms of proposals concerning age restrictions on vehicles being placed in service and the range of vehicles which may be considered as meeting the requirements within the testing centre for placing in- service to be operated as taxis, and in particular, saloon vehicles.

(d) TAXI TEST FEES

Fraser Crichton reported on the above.

The Group noted the proposal for the taxi test fee to reduce by the sum of 10 for electric vehicles.

(e) ELECTRIC CAR POLICY

Lisa Archibald reported on the above.

The Group agreed to note:-

(i) that Chris Elder had had a meeting with Councillor Fitzpatrick on the current policy and the possibility that hybrid vehicles should be added to the policy;

(ii) to note that it was considered by members of the Taxi Liaison Group that the Nissan Leaf electric car was not big enough for the purpose of operating as a taxi vehicle as it had limited storage capacity for luggage carrying for any tourists who were passengers; that currently there were 25% of the vehicles operated as taxis which may fall into that bracket; to note that Fraser Crichton would undertake a review of the vehicles currently in operation as vehicles against the dimensions currently required for testing and report back to a future meeting of the Group; and

(iii) to note that Fraser Crichton would contact the Scottish Government to establish the position in relation to hybrid vehicles being placed in service as taxi vehicles.

(f) LICENSING STANDARDS OFFICERS

Craig Somers reported on the above.

The Group noted:-

(i) that Mr Somers had previously responded to an enquiry to Chris Elder of Unite the Union in relation to the duties of Licensing Standards Officers employed by Dundee City Council;

(ii) that Licensing Standards Officers did not operate 9am-5pm and were subject to a variety of shift patterns throughout the week including weekends;

(iii) that there was increasing activity for Licensing Standards Officers which required them to undertake a wider remit of licensing activities and not solely matters in relation to Taxi and Private Hire Licences;

(iv) that there were currently 26 licensing activities within Dundee, which the Licensing Standards Officers had responsibility for, and the fees for these licences each contribute a proportion of their employment costs; to note that in 2017, Licensing Standards Officers dealt with approximately 1,100 applications for renewal of licence and that 90% of these required face-to-face interviews with Licensing Standards Officers in light of Immigration Act and other follow-up work which was required and that in addition, 97 new applications for Taxi Drivers and a further 433 other new licences had been processed by the Licensing Standards Officers and, in addition, they had undertaken inspections of 269 licensed premises as part of their workload;

(v) the wish of the Liaison Group for further enforcement of the Taxi Trade and, in particular, for those drivers who were not adhering to the dress code in the interests of conveying a positive message to the public of Dundee and visitors to the City and the negative impact that this was having within The Trade as a whole;

(vi) the action taken by Licensing Standards Officers in relation to non-display of the licensed taxi badge or non-adherence to the dress code and that this had generated to date 117 complaints being made against Taxi Drivers by the Licensing Standards Officers and that, on occasions, where there were repeat infringements, these were reported to the Committee for their consideration of the suitability of the person to be the holder of a Taxi Drivers Licence;

(vii) that the function of the Licensing Standards Officers was as laid out in legislation and, in particular, the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015;

(viii) that the dress code for Taxi Drivers would be re-examined and reported for consideration of a future meeting of the Liaison Group;

(ix) that cooperation was requested from The Trade to make Licensing Standards Officers aware of Taxi Drivers who were not adhering to licensing conditions and also any unlicensed activity that they were aware of including the possibility of any particular driver not being the holder of a badge and insurance;

(x) that the possibility of a display notice being placed within the taxi vehicle at the position where the road tax disc would have been displayed giving notice of the Taxi Driver on service and a picture of them, for reason of identification for members of public, and also other members of The Trade, so that they would be assured that the person who was driving the taxi was in fact licensed, had been examined and costed by the City Council and would mean an increase in fees for the Taxi Trade, however, the matter would be re-examined and perhaps proposed as part of the fees for the year commencing 2019/2020; and

(xi) to note that it was estimated that this would mean an additional 5 being placed on the fees for licence and that there were no objections from the Taxi Liaison Group to this proposal and that this matter would be considered and costed as part of the proposals for the next years increase in fees and to note that in the event that it was agreed this would also be required to be added to the conditions of licence.

(g) GROUP 2 STANDARDS MEDICALS FOR DRIVERS OVER 65

Lisa Archibald reported on the above. The Group noted:-

(i) that the current cost of referring an individual to the PAM Group to establish their medical fitness amounted to 350.

(ii) the % age makeup of the current licence holders within Dundee and that should it be proposed for licence holders over the age of 70 to be referred to the PAM Group that this would have considerable impact on the fees;

(iii) as indicated by Chris Elder that bus drivers were required to get a medical fitness referral test at the age of 45 years and then every five years thereafter; and

(iv) that the members of the Liaison Group were content at this moment in time to maintain the status quo in relation to licence holders who may be submitted for medical fitness tests at the PAM Group and not to make them required automatically due to age alone.

(h) TRANSPORTATION ISSUES

Fraser Crichton reported on the above. The Group agreed to note the concerns of Fraser Crichton in relation to the importance of vehicles having cargo nets in order to secure luggage while it was being transported securely and any other shopping and that this was now being supported by VOSA and that any licence holders who were submitting their vehicles for tests in this fashion were encouraged to ensure that in the event that there were no luggage compartments within their vehicle that they ensured that cargo nets were provided and fitted for the purpose of securely transporting luggage and shopping while in transit.

III DUNDEE TAXI ASSOCIATION

Items on agenda at request of Dundee Taxi Association:-

(a) BOOGIE BUS SITTING ON RANK AT REWIND NIGHT CLUB

Graeme Stephen reported on the above. The Group agreed:-

(i) to note that this matter had generated a number of complaints from members of Dundee Taxi Association;

(ii) to note that as advised by Lisa Archibald this was a police matter and would require to be reported to them for appropriate action; and

(iii) to note that as indicated by Erik Thoresen this was not simply a matter for the Rewind Nightclub rank but all ranks within Dundee.

(b) CAN WE HAVE LINE MARKINGS ON RANKS LOOKED AT NO MARKINGS AT ALL AT THE ROCK PUB RANK

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note that there was an issue in relation to the faded markings on ranks within Dundee and that there were issues in relation to Private Hire vehicles parking at these areas inappropriately and that the matter should be investigated by Roads and Transportation

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group noted the concerns and that the proximity of the white lines to the rank could lead to taxis being damaged by public vehicles as they passed that area.

(d) TINTED GLASS IN TAXIS

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

(i) The Group agreed to note that this matter would be further considered in January, 2018 once the issue in relation to the CCTV systems which may be operated within taxis and private hires was resolved;

(ii) to note that a darker tint of glass was more common now on vehicles and there was a greater cost to Taxi Drivers to have this changed on any vehicle they had ordered to be operated as a taxi; and

(iii) to note that it was perceived by The Trade that there was a better specification of vehicles available for use to be operated as taxis which had tinted windows.

(e) WOULD THERE BE ANY CHANCE OF HAVING MCDONALD STREET AND HILLTOWN TERRACE CHANGED TO A ONE-WAY LOOP

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group noted that this matter would be examined by Roads and Transportation.

(f) PARKING ON TAXI RANKS

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group noted that it was perceived there were problems with people parking in ranks and that there would be a requirement for enforcement to be carried out by traffic wardens as appropriate.

(g) IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A 20 MINUTE WAITING CHARGE ON PARKING AT BOTTOM OF HILLTOWN?

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group noted that it was suggested that by placing a 20 minute minimum charge at the Hilltown Rank this would possibly avoid people misusing the rank to avoid paying current parking charge of 2.60 for up to two hours.

(h) TAXI ROOF SIGNS

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group agreed to note:-

(i) that it had been perceived that there was inconsistency in the passing at the Taxi Test Station in relation to taxi roof signs and Mr Stephen was requested to advise Fraser Crichton of further information in relation to the matter so that it may be investigated to allow for consistency of testing at the Test Centre; and

(ii) Mr Stephen also reported concerns in relation to what appeared to be certain vehicles operating in Dundee with what looked like a blue light on the roof being used as a taxi sign.

(i) CHARGES FOR CREDIT CARDS

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group agreed to note:-

(i) that as of 13th January, 2018 the Government said that there would no longer be a charge for using credit cards;

(ii) that when fees were paid by licence holders, that they were currently being charged 2.5% for using a credit card; and

(iii) that the implementation of this legislation would be examined by Lisa Archibald as it would have a further impact not simply for licence holders but for all other Council offices within Dundee.

(j) ELECTRIC CHARGING POINTS

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) that it was alleged that there was a misuse of the use and operation of rapid chargers to the detriment of other people who require to use that service;

(ii) to note that all rapid chargers would be looked at with a view to upgrading them to alleviate any concerns in relation to design issues;

(iii) to note that in terms of hubs for charging points that Lochee had four rapid chargers on it and these would be operational in January, 2018 and that the hub at Queen Street, Broughty Ferry, was on hold pending upgrading works being undertaken by Network Rail to the platform and it was anticipated that work would commence in February or March, 2018 and would be completed over six weeks after which four rapid chargers would be operational; and

(iv) that transportation were currently examining the possibility of implementing an app for booking purposes so that a slot may be guaranteed at any charging point.

(k) WHITE PLATES ON PEOPLE CARRIERS THAT ARE GRANTED FOR AIRPORT WORK ETC

Graeme Stephen reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note that there was concern in relation to perception that licence holders who had placed a vehicle on service for airport or event work were undertaking other work as private hire so as to avoid placing a vehicle in service as an electric vehicle; and

(ii) that this matter in relation to the conditions of special events vehicles and the use of the special events disc in place of a white plate would be investigated by the Licensing Office so as to avoid any misunderstanding as to the terms of the licence of operation for those vehicles.

IV DUNDEE CITY TAXI DRIVERS' ASSOCIATION

Items on agenda at request of Dundee City Taxi Drivers' Association:-

(a) SUSPENSION OF DRIVERS

Qaiser Habib reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note the grounds on which Police Scotland would report any licence holder for possible suspension of the licence;

(ii) to note the reporting process on infringements or offences;

(iii) to note that only the Licensing Committee could suspend any particular licence holder through receipt or consideration of any request in relation to the alleged conduct;

(iv) to note that each case was considered on its own merits; and

(v) to note that any licence holder suspended by the Licensing Committee may appeal to Court for the suspension of their licence to be lifted with the assistance of a Solicitor.

(b) CAB ENFORCEMENT/POLICE UNSATISFACTORY SERVICES

Qaiser Habib reported on the above.

The Group agreed to note that any concerns in relation to dissatisfaction with action carried out by the Police would require to be reported to Police Scotland for investigation.

Qaiser Habib reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note that Home Office guidance required face-to-face interview with individual drivers on certain occasions and that online applications were not suitable for non-UK residents; and

(ii) to note that the previous operation of online applications had evidenced that they were welcomed by licence holders and that this would be examined for application in 2019/2020 for reintroduction.

(d) INSUFFICIENT CHARGING POINTS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Qaiser Habib reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note that once technology was upgraded that extra strength chargers may be available and implemented accordingly;

(ii) to note the concern that members of public were using charging stations inappropriately and going shopping while their vehicles were on charge;

(iii) to note the advice of Fraser Crichton that evidence would suggest that any members of public misusing the charging station were being issued with a ticket by wardens; and

(iv) to note that once the hubs were operational that it was anticipated that any problems in relation to misuse by members of the public would be relieved.

V GMB UNION

Items on agenda at request of GMB Union:-

(a) PLATES TAPED ON CARS

Alan Smith reported on the above.

The Group noted that:-

(i) over the last 18 months there had been an issue with the tape used by the Taxi Test Station and that this had been made more of an issue by bumpers on vehicles becoming more rounded which was making it more difficult to fix the plate to the vehicle and that the only other solution was a plate holder which meant drilling holes in the car for the bracket which may not be welcomed by the licence holder;

(ii) the experience of Graeme Stephen that he had applied clear silicone to his plate and had fixed this to the bumper and that he had not encountered any problems since then but however he did feel that it was not so much the concern in relation to the tape coming off the car as it coming off the plate, and that may mean the material being used for the place being re-examined;

(iii) that Chris Elder indicated information he had noticed in a magazine which mentioned about a fitting on a plate which allowed it to be fitted into holder conveniently at the back of a taxi securely; and

(iv) to note that Fraser Crichton would further examine the possibility of clear silicone being used for the purposes of fixing a plate to a taxi.

(b) ON CONVERTING HACKNEY TO CORPORATE - INTRODUCE A TIME LIMIT ON RESIGNING AS DIRECTOR

Alan Smith reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note the operation of the policy as outlined by Lisa Archibald;

(ii) to note that did not allow for a minimum period to be stipulated for anyone to be a Director; and

(iii) to note that, at present, the new car had to be put in service within 28 days and once the car was put in service a Director could surrender their Directorship.

The Group agreed to note that this matter had been considered already.

VI UNITE THE UNION

Items on agenda at request of Unite the Union:-

(a) "WE HAVE CONTACTED COUNCILLOR STEWART HUNTER REGARDING THE LACK OF ENFORCEMENT FROM OUR LICENSING STANDARDS OFFICERS, HE HAS INSTRUCTED US TO HAVE THIS DISCUSSED AT THE NEXT TAXI LIAISON MEETING.

WE HAVE SURVEYED OUR MEMBERS REGARDS THE TRADES LICENSING STANDARDS OFFICERS, DUNDEE CITIES LICENSING BOARD GAVE ASSURANCES THAT AS FROM THE 1ST JUNE, 2017 THESE OFFICERS WOULD BE SEEN TO BE OUT ENFORCING LICENSING CONDITIONS AND MAKE SURE ALL DRIVERS OPERATING WERE IN POSSESSION OF THEIR NEW TAXI LICENCE. OUR MEMBERS REPRESENT APPROXIMATELY A THIRD OF ALL TAXI DRIVERS LICENSED IN THE CITY AND THE RESULT OF OUR SURVEY IS THE OFFICERS ARE NOWHERE TO BE SEEN.

THE TAXI TRADE AS YOU ARE AWARE IS A 24/7 BUSINESS AND MOST DEMANDING AT WEEKENDS, ENFORCEMENT SHOULD BE ENFORCED ON A 24/7 BASIS AND PREDOMINATELY AT WEEKENDS WHEN THE MAJORITY OF TAXIS ARE PLYING FOR HIRE. IF OUR SURVEY FINDINGS ARE WRONG IM SURE THE LICENSING STANDARDS OFFICERS KEEP A LOG OF TIMES, DATES AND LICENSE NUMBERS OF ALL TAXI DRIVERS WHO HAVE BEEN CHECKED? IF THIS IS NOT THE CASE WHEN CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE THEM OUT DOING THE JOB THAT IS REQUIRE OF THEM? IF THEY ARE INCAPABLE DUE TO COMMITMENTS TO OTHER DUTIES MAYBE THE LICENSING DEPARTMENT SHOULD CONSIDER REPLACING THEM WITH A DEPARTMENT DEDICATED TO OUR TRADE!

WE WOULD LIKE IN ATTENDANCE CRAIG SOMERS (ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE TEAM MANAGER), THIS WILL GIVE MR SOMERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT HIS CASE FORWARD AND GIVE AN EXPLANATION AND ANSWERS FOR OUR CONCERN STATED ABOVE. THESE OFFICERS SHOULD HAVE SET HOURS AND WE WOULD LIKE ANSWERS FROM MR SOMERS OF WHAT THESE HOURS ARE?

OUR MEMBERS FEEL THEY HAVE DONE THEIR BIT OBTAINING THE RIGHT QUALIFICATIONS TO DO THE JOB REQUIRED OF THEM BUT FEEL LET DOWN AS DRIVERS COULD BE OPERATING WHO HAVE NOT, IF IT ISNT ENFORCED WHO WOULD KNOW."

Chris Elder reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note that complaints to Licensing Standards Officers had to be put in an e-mail or writing and that the Licensing Office were happy to be of assistance to any member of the public or licence holder who wished to put in any complaints to allow that matter to be investigated and that they would note details of any complaint made verbally at the public counter for the licence holder or member of the public to sign it for processing and submission as an official complaint.

(b) "INFORMATION TO THE TAXI OFFICES REGARDING ALLOCATING JOBS FROM THEIR OFFICE IE THERE IS A DISPUTE REGARDING DOING JOBS LIKE ANGUS TO ANGUS, TAYPORT TO NEWPORT AND ANGUS TO PERTH ETC. WE HAVE TOLD DRIVERS THEY MUST BE HIRED IN OUR AREA OR FROM AN OUTSIDE BOUNDARY BACK INTO OUR AREA AS THEY ARE A DUNDEE LICENSED TAXI FOR THE CITY OF DUNDEE. COULD YOU LET ME KNOW REGARDING DUNDEE TAXIS DOING REGULAR CONTRACT FOR ANGUS COUNCIL IS THIS LEGAL IE ANGUS TO ANGUS"

Chris Elder reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note the advice of Brian Woodcock that only licensed taxis and private hire cars in Dundee could do a job that started in Dundee and ended in Dundee and that the Licensing Office would arrange for a letter to be issued to all Taxi Offices in Dundee explaining this position and to encouraging them to accord with this;

(ii) to note that advice to this effect would also be placed on the Licensing pages on the Dundee City Council website; and

(iii) to note that Brian Woodcock would draft a suitably worded letter and notice for placing on the website for the next meeting of the Taxi Liaison Group for approval.

Chris Elder reported on the above.

The Group agreed to note that, having consulted the Councils Property Manager, there were no capital monies identified in the capital plan for provision of toilets.

(d) BUS LANES - NINEWELLS HOSPITAL

Chris Elder reported on the above.

The Group agreed:-

(i) to note the consideration of the Taxi Trade that restrictions on taxis using bus lanes at Ninewells be lifted as there was currently a set price for jobs for the NHS and also meant that the cost of any potential journey for a member of the public from Accident and Emergency to the front door of Ninewells would amount to 6 and that the matter would be submitted to Neil Gellatly for further consideration.

(e) "HI LISA, AS YOU KNOW I HAD A MEETING WITH MR FITZPATRICK REGARDING OUR CONCERNS REGARDING THE ELECTRIC TAXI POLICY SET OUT BY THE COUNCIL WE FEEL THAT RANGE EXTENDED AND HYBRID TAXIS SHOULD BE ADDED TO THIS POLICY COULD YOU PUT THIS ON THE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION AT THE LIAISON MEETING ON 29TH NOVEMBER PLEASE, CHRIS UNITE"

The Group agreed to note that this matter had been covered on the agenda at Article II(e).

VII TAY TAXIS

Items on the agenda at request of Tay Taxis:-

(a) TAXI BADGE TEST

(b) SVQ

(d) AGE AND TYPE OF VEHICLE

The Group agreed to note that in the absence of George Harris of Tay Taxis, the above matters were not considered at this meeting.

VIII DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The Group noted that the next meeting of the Taxi Liaison Group would be held on Tuesday, 23rd January, 2018.

Lisa ARCHIBALD, Chair.

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