Taxi Liaison Group - 20/06/2000

At a MEETING of the LIAISON COMMITTEE of the LICENSING COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 20th June, 2000.

Present:

COUNCILLORS

Also Present Representing Taxi Trade:-

Also Present -

1 TAXI SURVEY

It was reported that the final version of the Taxi Survey had been received.

After considering the conclusions of the Survey, it was agreed to recommend to the Licensing Committee that the number of taxis in the City be fixed at 507 and should the number fall below this figure, then the first applicants on the waiting list be invited to apply for licences.

2 TESTING STATION CAPACITY

There was submitted a paper by the Plant and Vehicle Manager relative to the above in response to points which had been raised by the trade at the previous meeting.

Arising from discussion it was agreed to set up a Sub-Group to review the taxi test and the advice notes issued to licence holders.

3 TESTING OF TAXIS

There was submitted a discussion document relative to the testing of taxis, following concerns which had been expressed about the number of taxis being reported to the Licensing Committee because of their poor condition.

It was suggested that the undernoted test schedule be introduced:-

Taxis up to 4 years old - one test per annum

Taxis aged between 4 and 7 years - two tests per annum

Taxis aged over 7 years - three tests per annum

Following discussion, it was agreed that consideration of this item be remitted to the Licensing Committee and that the trade representatives be invited to submit proposals.

4 TAXI LICENCE CONDITIONS - REVIEW

It was agreed that consideration of the above item be deferred pending the outcome of discussions on item 3 above.

5 SOILING OF TAXIS

There was submitted a request by the Taxi Owners Association that a charge of 25 be introduced where taxis are soiled by passengers.

It was agreed that this matter be considered again once information had been obtained concerning practices elsewhere.

6 FIAT MULTIPLA MOTOR VEHICLE

Following discussion it was agreed that the above vehicle was not suitable for use as a taxi in Dundee.

7 DISABILITY AWARENESS

Members of the trade expressed the view that it would be beneficial if a training course for taxi drivers could be arranged on Disability Awareness.

Following discussion it was agreed that a representative of the Personnel and Management Services Department be invited to make a presentation to the next meeting on any relevant training courses which are organised by the Council.

JILL SHIMI, Convener.