Agenda item

To consider proposals for the implementation of phase two of the harmonisation of the Table of Fares applicable in each of the Council’s Hackney Carriage Zones.

The history of the Council’s proposals to amend the Hackney carriage fares had been considered on a number of previous occasions. 

In July 2014 proposals were drawn up based on parameters approved the Cabinet Member, which included harmonising fares over a number of steps, that meant that eventually the first mile and flag rates would be the same, and that waiting time be included in any proposals.

A 6 week consultation period was conducted from 13^th August 2014 to 24^th September 2014. The proposals were also published on the Council’s website and two drop-in sessions were organised for anyone who wanted more information on the proposals..

On the 5^th December 2014 the Portfolio Holder considered the consultation responses in relation to the ‘Phased Harmonisation’ proposals.

On the 13^th July 2015 the Portfolio Holder resolved that phase one of the proposals be implemented with effect from 3^rd August 2015. The current fares applicable in each zone are set out at appendix 5.

The table of fares should be set to enable:

§  Sustainable income for drivers. It is therefore important that the public and trade recognise that the Council sets the maximum fares payable rather than a fixed rate.

§  Future investment in vehicles to ensure they remain safe and suitable for use as a working vehicle

§  Clear and simple maximum charges that minimise the opportunity for overcharging or confusion

The Council has no power to set the fees for private hire vehicles.  In addition the Table of Fares is not applicable to vehicles licensed by other Local Authorities, but working in the Borough.

The Licensing Officer introduced the report and gave a brief history of the Council’s proposals to amend the Hackney carriage fares which had been considered on a number of previous occasions. This history is set out in Appendix 2.

In July 2014 the Portfolio Holder had considered proposals which were drawn up based on parameters approved by the Cabinet Member, which included harmonising fares over a number of steps, that meant that eventually the first mile and flag rates would be the same, and that waiting time be included in any proposals.

A 6 week consultation period was conducted from 13^th August 2014 to 24^th September 2014. The proposals were also published on the Council’s website and two drop-in sessions were organised for anyone who wanted more information on the proposals.  The consultation document is set out in Appendix 3 and all consultation responses received are set out in Appendix 4.

On the 5^th December 2014 the Portfolio Holder considered the consultation responses in relation to the ‘Phased Harmonisation’ proposals.

On the 13^th July 2015 the Portfolio Holder resolved that phase one of the proposals be implemented with effect from 3^rd August 2015. The current fares applicable in each zone are set out at appendix 5.

The table of fares should be set to enable:

§  Sustainable income for drivers. It is therefore important that the public and trade recognise that the Council sets the maximum fares payable rather than a fixed rate.

§  Future investment in vehicles to ensure they remain safe and suitable for use as a working vehicle

§  Clear and simple maximum charges that minimise the opportunity for overcharging or confusion

The Council has no power to set the fees for private hire vehicles.  In addition the Table of Fares is not applicable to vehicles licensed by other Local Authorities, but working in the Borough.

RESOLVED:

That:

1.    Phase two of the proposals be initiated in line with the relevant statutory processes (appendix 1).

2.    The Licensing Team Leader be authorised to take all necessary actions to commence the proposals including writing and advertising the Statutory Public Notices.

3.    In the event of any objections being received following placement of the notices, a further Portfolio Holder meeting should be arranged to consider those objections.

4.    If no objections are received, the Table of Fares for each zone, advertised in accordance with the requirements of Section 65 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, will automatically come into force on the date specified in the Public Notices.