Decision Maker: Waste & Street Scene Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 14, 2025

Purpose: At the request of the Waste and Street Scene Committee, the Licensing Service is reviewing its policies in relation to vehicle age limits.

Content: 11.1 Members of the committee considered a report of the Executive Director Neighbourhood Services setting out proposed amendments to the Private Hire Vehicle Specification and details of the consultation process that had been undertaken. The report sought approval of the proposed amendments and for them to be implemented immediately.     11.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Waste and Street Scene Policy Committee approves the proposed amendments to the Private Hire Vehicle Specification, as set out in Appendix E to this report, to be implemented immediately.     11.3 Reasons for Decision     11.3.1 The proposed amendments to the vehicle specification are designed to: ·       Provide individuals with a clear, consistent basis for submitting vehicle applications ·       Provide a clear, consistent basis for determining vehicle licence applications ·       Provide licensees with information on vehicle licensing requirements throughout the time they are licensed     11.3.2 Approving the proposals will ensure that applicants and licensees are provided with clear information on the type of vehicles that are licensable, and that the cleanest vehicles are enabled to be licensed for longer periods.     11.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     11.4.1 Alternative Option 1:       Maintain the current Private Hire Vehicle Specification.       The current introductory age limit for new diesel and petrol vehicles is set at 4 years. By maintaining this limit, licence holders face a reduction in vehicle choice at an increased cost.       In addition, this option does not include additional incentives to allow electric and hydrogen fuelled vehicles to be licensed for longer periods of time.       The preferred recommendation, however, includes changes to several other areas of the vehicle specification. These changes aim to broaden the range of vehicles eligible for licensing, reduce the financial burden on licence holders, and enhance facilities for disabled passengers.     11.4.2 Alternative Option 2:       Adopt the proposed amendments consulted upon, as set out in Appendix B.       Although this option proposes increasing the introductory age limit for new diesel and petrol private hire vehicles to 6 years, which would expand the choice available to licence holders, it is important to note that the Euro 6d-temp standard was only introduced on 1st September 2019 (this was unknown at the time of consultation).       Approving this option with immediate effect would consequently allow the licensing of new diesel and petrol vehicles that were registered prior to the introduction of Euro 6d-temp. As a result, vehicles that do not meet the emissions limits outlined in the preferred proposal could be licensed, potentially undermining the Council’s strategic plan to create “A city on the move – growing, connected, and sustainable.”