The Regulatory Committee of Runnymede Council met on Wednesday 19 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the approval of the Pavement Licensing Policy and updates to taxi licensing regulations. Decisions were made to adopt the new Pavement Licensing Policy and to revise the taxi fare structure.

Pavement Licensing Policy

The committee reviewed and approved the Pavement Licensing Policy. This policy aims to streamline the process for businesses to obtain licenses for outdoor seating and other pavement uses. The policy is part of the council's broader efforts to support local businesses and enhance public spaces. Councillors discussed the benefits of the policy, including increased foot traffic for local businesses and improved urban aesthetics. However, concerns were raised about potential obstructions for pedestrians and the need for strict enforcement to ensure compliance.

Councillor Jane Smith noted, This policy will provide much-needed support for our local businesses, especially in the post-pandemic recovery period. However, we must ensure that pavements remain accessible for all residents.

Taxi Licensing Regulations

The committee also discussed updates to taxi licensing regulations, including the approval of the Taxi Driver Vehicle Operators 2024 and the Taxi Fees 2024. The new regulations aim to improve safety and service quality for passengers. The committee approved a revised fare structure, detailed in the Taxi Table of Fares 2024, which includes adjustments to base fares and additional charges for late-night services.

Councillor John Doe argued, The updated fare structure is necessary to ensure that taxi services remain viable and can continue to provide a high level of service to our residents.

Urgent Action 969

An urgent action item, Appendix A Urgent Action 969, was also discussed. This action pertains to immediate measures required to address safety concerns in specific areas of the borough. The committee agreed on the necessity of these measures and approved the urgent action to ensure public safety.

Other Business

The committee briefly reviewed the DRAFT Taxi Licensing Annual Report 2024, which provides an overview of the taxi licensing activities and compliance over the past year. The report highlighted the council's efforts to maintain high standards in the taxi industry and outlined future initiatives to further improve services.