Purpose

To review the findings and recommendations of the results of the independent survey commissioned to establish whether or not there is any significant unmet demand for Hackney Carriages in the City of Bath that is unmet.

Decision

(1)  To agree that the number of vehicle licences in Zone 1 remains at 125.

(2)  To agree that the limitation policy remains in place.

Reasons for the decision

The findings of the independent report indicate no significant unmet demand for Hackney Carriage services in the City of Bath.

Alternative options considered

To partially delimit: Case law demonstrates that it would be feasible to issue batches of licences at a time which would allow a Council to assess the impact of each tranche and decide whether there is significant unmet demand. This option has been rejected as such assessments would require further budget and may result in periods of uncertainty within the trade and elsewhere.

To delimit altogether: This option has been rejected as the removal of the current limitation policy could result in a legal challenge from the existing vehicle licence holders considering the findings of the most recent survey.