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Licensing and Safety Regulatory Panel (Taxis) - Thursday, 27 June 2024 10.00 am

June 27, 2024 View on council website
AI Generated

Summary

The Licensing and Safety Regulatory Panel of Salford Council convened on Thursday 27 June 2024 to discuss several key issues related to taxi licensing and safety regulations. The panel made decisions on the introduction of new safety measures for taxi drivers and passengers, and the implementation of stricter emissions standards for licensed vehicles.

New Safety Measures for Taxi Drivers and Passengers

The panel approved the introduction of new safety measures aimed at protecting both taxi drivers and passengers. These measures include the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in all licensed taxis and the requirement for drivers to undergo enhanced background checks.

Councillors debated the balance between privacy concerns and safety benefits. One councillor noted, While privacy is important, the safety of our residents and drivers must take precedence. The decision was ultimately made to prioritise safety, with the panel agreeing that the benefits of CCTV in deterring crime and providing evidence in disputes outweighed the privacy concerns.

Stricter Emissions Standards for Licensed Vehicles

In alignment with Salford Council's commitment to reducing air pollution, the panel decided to implement stricter emissions standards for all licensed taxis. From January 2025, all new taxi licenses will only be granted to vehicles that meet Euro 6 emissions standards1. Existing licensed vehicles will need to comply by January 2027.

The discussion highlighted the council's previous statements on environmental sustainability and its manifesto pledge to improve air quality. One councillor argued, This is a necessary step to ensure we are doing our part in tackling climate change and protecting public health. The panel acknowledged the financial impact on drivers but emphasized the long-term environmental benefits.

Public Consultation on Proposed Changes

The panel also discussed the importance of public consultation on the proposed changes. It was agreed that a public consultation period would be opened to gather feedback from taxi drivers, passengers, and other stakeholders. This consultation will help refine the implementation process and address any concerns raised by the community.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with the panel's commitment to ensuring the safety and environmental sustainability of Salford's taxi services. The decisions made reflect the council's ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and reduce environmental impact.

For more details, you can refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.


  1. Euro 6 emissions standards are regulations set by the European Union to reduce harmful pollutants from vehicle exhausts. 

Attendees

Profile image for Hilaria Asumu
Hilaria Asumu  Labour and Co-operative •  Walkden South
Profile image for Michele Barnes
Michele Barnes  Executive Support Member for Workforce and Industrial Relations •  Labour •  Pendleton and Charlestown
Timothy Cook
Profile image for Tony Davies
Tony Davies  Labour •  Little Hulton
Profile image for Jim Dawson
Jim Dawson  Chair of the Licensing and Safety Regulatory Panel •  Labour •  Swinton and Wardley
Veronica Farrelly
Profile image for Heather Fletcher
Heather Fletcher  Ceremonial Mayor •  Labour •  Swinton Park
Profile image for Yolande Ghola
Yolande Ghola  Labour •  Cadishead and Lower Irlam
Barbara Gora
Chris Howl
Sarah Hughes
Profile image for Jim King
Jim King  Vice Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Panel •  Labour and Co-operative •  Broughton
Profile image for Chioma Mgbeokwere
Chioma Mgbeokwere  Deputy Chair of the Licensing and Safety Regulatory Panel •  Labour •  Pendlebury and Clifton
Profile image for Michael Thomas Pevitt
Michael Thomas Pevitt  Vice Chair of Growth and Prosperity Panel •  Labour •  Claremont
Profile image for Hannah Robinson-Smith
Hannah Robinson-Smith  Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports and Leisure •  Labour •  Cadishead and Lower Irlam
Profile image for Arnold Saunders
Arnold Saunders  Vice Chair of the Community and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel •  Conservative •  Kersal and Broughton Park
Profile image for Les Turner
Les Turner  Conservative •  Boothstown and Ellenbrook
Profile image for Andrew Walters
Andrew Walters  Leader of the Unwhipped Group •  Independent •  Kersal and Broughton Park
Profile image for John Warmisham
John Warmisham  Independent Socialist •  Pendleton and Charlestown
Profile image for Barry Warner
Barry Warner  Labour •  Pendlebury and Clifton

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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