Purpose

At the request of the Waste and Street Scene
Committee, the Licensing Service is reviewing its policies in
relation to private hire vehicle signage.

Content

9.1

The members of the
Environmental Services and Regulation Policy Committee considered a
report of the Executive Director Neighbourhood Services setting out
the proposed amendments to the policy on Private Hire Vehicle
Signage, as contained within the Private Hire Operator and Vehicle
Licence Policy, and details of the consultation process that has
been undertaken.
 
The report sought approval of
the proposed amendments and for them to be implemented
immediately.

 

 

9.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That the Environmental
Services and Regulation Policy Committee approves the proposed
amendments to the policy on Private Hire Vehicle Signage, as set
out in Appendix G to this report, to be implemented
immediately.

 

 

9.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

9.3.1

The proposed amendments to the
private hire vehicle signage policy
are designed to:
• Provide applicants and
licence holders with a clear, consistent
policy regarding vehicle
signage.
• Improve alignment with
national best practice as outlined in the
Department for
Transport’s guidance, while considering local
consultation.
• Provide members of the
public with reassurance that Sheffield City
Council licensed private hire
vehicles remain clearly and easily
identifiable.

 

 

9.3.2

The proposals represent a
proportionate response to the challenges identified through
operational experience and public consultation. They support a more
effective and efficient licensing system, upholding public safety,
and reflecting current national guidance. By adopting these
changes, the Council will ensure its policies remain fit for
purpose, responsive to stakeholder needs, and capable of supporting
a modern and inclusive private hire trade in Sheffield.

 

 

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

9.4.1

Alternative Option 1:
 
Maintain the current private
hire vehicle signage policy.
 
In doing so, it should be
recognised that the private hire vehicle signage policy will not
align with the recommendations of the DfT’s ‘Taxi and
private hire vehicle licensing best practice guidance for licensing
authorities in England’.

 

 

9.4.2

Alternative Option 2:
 
Adopt the proposed amendments
consulted upon, as set out in Appendix D.
 
This option removes the
requirement for exterior private hire operator signage, in line
with the DfT’s ‘Taxi and private hire vehicle licensing
best practice guidance for licensing authorities in
England’.
 
However, it is important to
note that this option also mandates the use of permanent exterior
Sheffield City Council door signage, which received considerable
objection during the public consultation.