Issue - meetings

To consider a proposal in relation to a comprehensive review of the hackney carriage service across each of the three zones within Cheshire East Borough Council’s area.

The Committee considered a report which proposed a comprehensive review of the hackney carriage service across each of the three zones within Cheshire East Borough Council.

The Committee on 18 January 2010 had authorised the Licensing Manager to carry out a consultation exercise relating to the policy of limiting the number of hackney carriages within the Congleton zone of the Council’s area.  Since this decision a number of representations had been received from members of the hackney carriage trade associations and local MPs.  Their concerns focused on the current policy within the zones of Macclesfield and Crewe of not imposing a numerical limit on hackney carriages.  Also highlighted was the variety of fares charged to the public across the three zones; the existing licence terms and conditions in relation to hackney carriage vehicles and drivers across the three zones; and the accessibility and availability of the service for the public including rank provision and location.

Following discussions with representatives of the three hackney carriage associations, a proposal was formulated in relation to a wide-ranging review of the hackney carriage licensing function.  It was suggested that in order to address the disparities across the three zones and to develop a consistent approach within the Borough, a comprehensive review of the policies and procedures relating to hackney carriages should be undertaken.  The issues which would be addressed as part of the review included:

• Service Levels
• Hackney Carriage Fares
• Existing Terms and Conditions
• Provision and location of taxi ranks

The Committee was asked to set aside its decision of 18 January 2010 and approval was sought for a comprehensive review of policies and procedures relating to hackney carriages in order to address the disparities across the three zones and to develop a consistent approach within the Borough.

RESOLVED:

That the decision of the Licensing Committee on 18 January 2010 be set aside and a review of the hackney carriage service, as set out within the report, be undertaken.