The Licensing Committee of North Kesteven Council met on Friday, 28 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including updates to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. Decisions were made on vehicle check documentation retention, driver proficiency training, vehicle condition checks, vehicle age limits, and flexible transport services.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy - SKDC Consultation Response

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Governance and Licensing introduced the report on the consultation response to the Department for Transport’s updated guidance. The consultation received 205 responses. The Licensing Manager presented the report, highlighting that the Department for Transport issued non-statutory best practice guidance in November 2023. The Committee had previously agreed to consult the public on certain items within this guidance.

Vehicle Check Documentation Retention

A recommendation was made to retain vehicle check/walkaround documentation for 12 months. This was proposed, seconded, and recommended for inclusion in the policy.

Members discussed the issue and it was proposed, seconded and RECOMMENDED that the documents be kept for 12 months. - Licensing Committee Minutes¹

Driver Proficiency

The Committee discussed the importance of driver proficiency, recommending that taxi and private hire drivers undertake training and/or assessment focused on attitudes and behaviours, such as those offered by IAM Roadsmart and RoSPA.

Members felt that the addition of this item to the policy would help promote safer driving and more confidence in the driver by the public. - Licensing Committee Minutes¹

Vehicle Condition Checks

The Committee recommended the introduction of required daily vehicle checks, with a penalty of 3 points if not completed. This decision was based on discussions about safety and comparisons to motoring convictions.

It was therefore proposed, seconded and RECOMMENDED that 3pts be given if the vehicle check was not completed. - Licensing Committee Minutes¹

Vehicle Age Limits

The Committee recommended that vehicles should be registered after September 2015 to ensure Euro 6 compliance². Additionally, an upper age limit of 15 years for all types of vehicles was proposed and recommended.

It was proposed, seconded and RECOMMENDED that the Euro 6 compliance be added to the Policy. - Licensing Committee Minutes¹

Flexible Transport Services

The Committee discussed promoting flexible transport services, such as shared taxis and private hire vehicles for advance bookings, and taxi & private hire vehicle buses. They recommended including these services in the policy but required more information on shared taxis before making a final decision.

Members were in agreement with the Shared taxi and Private Hire vehicles and this was proposed and seconded for RECOMMENDATION. - Licensing Committee Minutes¹