To receive any questions, statements or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.

The Chairman announced that nine public questions had been submitted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 14 and had been circulated to all members of the Strategic Licensing Committee (a copy of the report containing the detailed questions and the formal response is attached to the signed minutes):

Received from Mr Paul Merrifield, Director of Comet Cars in relation to Euro 5 and NCAP 5 Standards – copy attached to the signed minutes.

Received from Mr Roddy Doran, in relation to the Euro 5 requirements being extended to 2024 rather than 2022 to enable assist drivers to purchase vehicles and requesting that the rate card remain the same to achieve continuous business within a competitive market.  Copy attached to the signed minutes. 

Received from Mr M Khan on behalf of Asian community drivers, in relation to Euro Standards 3 and 4 and fare cards.  Copy attached to the signed minutes.

Received from Ms Tina Brookes and Mr Robbie Bruce of Access Cars Limited in relation to the requirement for new private hire vehicles to be NCAP5 and the impact this requirement was having upon the trade.  Copy attached to the signed minutes.

Received from Mr A. Alyas of County/Lakeside Cars in relation to the requirement for NCAP 5 rating and the suggestion that this should be reduced to 4 starts and also a rise in fares for the hackney carriage trade. Copy attached to the signed minutes.

Received from Mr Neil Gibbons of Station Cabs in relation to current tariff charges operating in Zone 4 (Shrewsbury and Atcham).  Copy attached to the signed minutes.

Received from Mr Mark Morris in relation to purchasing affordable vehicles.  Copy attached to the signed minutes.

Received from Mr Mark Higgins, a licenced taxi driver in relation to the implementation of the Councils ultra-low emissions and safety policy requesting further consultation with the trade.  Copy attached to the signed minutes. 

Mr Sven Evans, in relation to vehicle emissions testing.  Copy attached to the signed minutes.

The following response was provided at the meeting:

Before responding to the specific concerns raised within the submissions, the Council wishes to make it clear that the current Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy was developed over a twelve month period with extensive informal and formal consultation with the trade and other key stakeholders.  This included face to face forums and two periods of formal consultation, which also included a face to face opportunity to further discuss the proposals.  Full consideration was given to a large amount of verbal and written feedback prior to the formal adoption of the policy; this included making specific amendments to reduce the standards that had to be achieved and providing an extension to the timeframe by which proprietors had to comply.  The Council does not accept that the policy came ‘out of the blue, without dialogue’.

Having given due consideration to the content of the submissions, it is clear that there is a single overarching concern, namely certain elements (Euro Emission Standards, NCAP Safety Ratings and Hackney Carriage Fare Card) of the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy are apparently impacting on the ability of proprietors to comply with the relevant Policy conditions without disadvantaging them from a financial perspective. 

Where the submissions have referred to the proposed amendment to the Hackney Carriage Fare Card, there will be a subsequent opportunity, in accordance with legal requirements, where objections can formally be made.  Details are available in the report entitled Hackney Carriage Fares – Zone 4, which is before the committee today.  Proprietors are advised to re-submit objections during the formal consultation period, which will be made known through the Council’s website and the Shropshire Star.

With respect to Euro Emission Standards and NCAP Safety Ratings, the Council understands the concerns being expressed.  However; one of the main priorities of the Council is to ensure the safety and promote the health of the public.  Implementation of the Euro Emission and NCAP Safety Ratings through the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy are key to delivering this priority.  In addition, the individual submissions are of a general nature and fail to practically demonstrate any consideration of financial options that may be available to the proprietors. 

In relation to the recent information concerning the manufacture of some diesel vehicles and their emission levels, the facts relating to vehicles on the UK market have not yet been confirmed.  If, as a result of any investigation, it is confirmed that UK vehicles are affected, the Council will consider what, if any, action it needs to take.  Irrespective of the findings of any investigation, the Council will be pragmatic in its approach.  The Council will continue to accept information, submitted by any proprietor, which confirms the emission standard of the vehicle concerned is in line with the current policy.  This will continue until such time as any investigation relating to UK vehicles confirms that the emission information for any particular vehicle is incorrect.  At this time, the Council will confirm those vehicles that do not satisfy the policy requirements; drivers, proprietors and operators are strongly advised to monitor the Councils website for updates in this respect. 

Vehicles that are already licenced prior to the outcome of any investigation relating to UK vehicles being made known will remain licenced until the vehicle is replaced and/or changes are made to the Council’s policy (subject to consultation and, where appropriate, transition periods).  In addition, applications that have been received by the Council prior to the outcome of any investigation relating to UK vehicles being made known will be processed and providing all other requirements are satisfied will be licenced and remain valid until the vehicle is replaced and/or changes are made to the Council’s policy (subject to consultation and, where appropriate, transition periods).

The Council appreciates the proposals suggesting an extension to the transition periods; however, having considered these it is the Councils view that this will only serve to prolong the fundamental issues that proprietors do have to take on board whilst meeting all the requirements of a licenced proprietor.  The Council does not accept that simply removing the standards or giving too much weight to the economic implications is an appropriate way forward given the importance of ensuring the safety and promoting the health of the public.