Purpose

The Taxi Licensing Service are seeing an increasing number of licensed drivers advising the Service about medical conditions which call into question whether they are fit and proper to hold a licence. There is a separate driver licence condition that requires individuals to advise the Service immediately of medical matters and in any event before driving a licensed vehicle but individuals may not advise the Service of this for a range of reasons, including that they want to continue to drive a licensed vehicle despite the risks. The Service may hear about medical issues from another driver or other third party, but in more recent instances, it has become clear that the Private Hire Operator was aware of an individuals medical issues, but the driver has been allowed to continue to drive by the Private Hire Operator. The Service are not concerned about minor matters, but it is an issue where a driver has suffered a medical episode, had a change in medication or other matter which impacts their driving ability and/or where they would not meet the Councils required Group II Medical Standards. This in turn compromises driver safety, other road users, pedestrians and the travelling public, presenting a public safety risk.

Decision

The Head of Community Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Protection, has agreed that the following be included as a standard condition in respect of Private Hire Operator Licences and will be incorporated within Appendix K of the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy as an inclusion to the standard Private Hire Operator Conditions. "11.3 In the event that the Licence Holder becomes aware that any of the following has occurred in respect of a licensed driver on their circuit, the Licence Holder must notify the Council within 48 hours of such knowledge coming to their attention or sooner if the Licence Holder considers that there is an immediate risk to public safety and/or which may impact upon their ability to carry out their role as a licensed driver and which may mean they are unable to meet the Group II Medical Standards required by the Council as Licensing Authority: (a)That the driver has suffered a medical episode which means that they may be unable to meet the Group II Medical Standards required by the Council as Licensing Authority (b)That the driver has undergone a medical procedure which means that they may be unable to meet the Group II Medical Standards required by the Council a Licensing Authority (c) That the driver has changed medication or commenced new medication which means that they may be unable to meet the Group II Medical Standards required by the Council as Licensing Authority (d)That the driver has taken medical leave from their role as a licensed driver and the reasons provided mean that they may be unable to meet the Group II Medical Standards required by the Council as Licensing Authority."

Alternative options considered

No other options - this condition is included to protect driver, pedestrians, other road users and passengers safety and ensures mechanisms are in place for the Private Hire Operator to notify the Council as Licensing Authority of medical issues that may arise as set out above. The primary purpose of the licensing regime is public safety.