The Licensing Committee of Cambridge Council met on Monday, 24 June 2024, to discuss several significant issues, including the environmental considerations for taxi and private hire licensing, the impact of electric vehicle (EV) policies on the taxi trade, and public concerns regarding these policies. The committee resolved to maintain the current policy requiring new saloon vehicles to be ultra-low or zero-emission from June 2024.

Environmental Considerations for Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy

The committee reviewed the Environmental Considerations Vehicles Policy within the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle fleet. The policy, effective from June 2022, allowed standard hybrids with emission levels of 120g/km of CO2 to be licensed until June 2024. The committee resolved to remove the inclusion of standard hybrid saloon vehicles within the policy from June 2024.

Public Questions and Concerns

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)

Kamil Dinek, a Hackney Carriage driver, raised concerns about the availability and licensing of WAVs. The committee acknowledged that WAVs could still be licensed as petrol or diesel vehicles and were not impacted by the current decision. Efforts are being made to improve accessibility, including adding telephone numbers to the list of WAVs on the council's website and removing the age limit for WAVs.

Promotion of Taxi Safety Features

Kamil Dinek also questioned the promotion of the safety features of silver taxis with a green stripe. The Chair, Councillor McPherson, agreed that more could be done to publicize the safety of these vehicles and committed to discussing further promotional efforts with officers.

Electric Vehicle Breakdowns

Ayesha raised concerns about the replacement policy for electric vehicles (EVs) when they break down. The committee clarified that temporary replacements must be like-for-like, but if an electric vehicle is unavailable, an ultra-low emission vehicle would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Economic Viability of EVs

Eddie Holland, representing Cambridge City Licensed Taxis, questioned the economic viability of EVs compared to traditional hybrids. The committee emphasized that the policy is driven by environmental considerations rather than economic factors. Data from Appendix C - Table of Findings Eco Taxis showed that running costs for hybrids and electric vehicles are competitive.

Charging Infrastructure

Councillor Hussain, also a taxi driver, highlighted issues with the charging infrastructure, including the slow charging speed and high costs. The committee acknowledged these concerns and noted that the current infrastructure is underutilized. Plans are in place to improve the charging network in collaboration with South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Impact Statements and Petition

The committee considered impact statements from the trade and a petition signed by 177 drivers opposing the decision not to extend the June 2024 deadline for standard hybrids. The main concerns were financial difficulties and the effectiveness of ultra-low emission vehicles compared to standard hybrids.

Decision

The committee resolved (by a vote of six to one) to confirm the decision made on 29 January 2024, to remove the inclusion of standard hybrid saloon vehicles within the policy from June 2024. The decision impacts 14 standard hybrid vehicles and 19 petrol or diesel vehicles, which will need to be replaced with ultra-low or zero-emission vehicles by 2026.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Minutes from the 29 January 2024 meeting.