The Trade Liaison Meeting discussed updates on taxi-related incidents, clean air funding for taxi proprietors, and proposed changes to licensing policies. Decisions were made regarding the uptake of Hackney Carriage funding and the structure of Private Hire funding, with discussions also covering potential revisions to the convictions policy and the policy on written-off vehicles.

GMP Update and Driver Safety

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported 22 taxi-related incidents in the previous three months, including assaults, vehicle damage, and bilking. While no significant increase linked to the World Cup was identified, trade representatives sought further details on assaults involving Bury-licensed vehicles. GMP confirmed they would provide a high-level summary where legally permissible. The theft of two taxi plates was also discussed, with an agreement to investigate licensing details and the issuance of replacement plates.

Trade representatives requested that Bury Council reconsider introducing CCTV requirements within licensed vehicles, noting that national minimum standards are expected to include such provisions. Concerns were raised about compliance, enforcement, and officer training. The discussion also touched upon introducing vehicle signage to warn passengers about potential prosecution for violence, abuse, and fare evasion, with officers suggesting that existing Respect the Driver campaign materials could be refreshed and displayed earlier.

Furthermore, members discussed concerns regarding e-bikes and e-scooters, including dangerous riding and their links to criminal activity. GMP stated that enforcement is intelligence-led and seizure powers exist, but wider regulation would require national legislative change. Trade representatives suggested a registration system for e-bikes and e-scooters to aid enforcement and accountability.

Clean Air Funding and Compliance Deadlines

Michael Bridge, a representative from Bury Council, confirmed that all eligible Bury Hackney Carriage proprietors had accepted the available funding for vehicle upgrades, achieving 100% uptake.

For private hire proprietors, a separate Greater Manchester funding stream will offer a one-off, non-repayable grant of £2,500 per vehicle. The previously considered loan arrangement is no longer being pursued. A whitelist of eligible vehicles is being prepared, with the scheme anticipated to launch in September 2026. Guidance and application details will be provided to operators. Currently, 21 non-compliant private hire vehicles have been identified, some of which may qualify for funding.

A significant point of discussion was the 4 January 2027 deadline for non-compliant private hire vehicles to meet emissions standards. Trade representatives expressed concern that the timeframe between the funding launch and the compliance deadline might be insufficient, especially during busy trading periods. Suggestions were made to extend the deadline to late January or February 2027, and officers requested urgent feedback from trade organisations to inform any review.

Enforcement and Service Issues

Bury's convictions policy, established in 2014, is under review as part of a wider Greater Manchester initiative examining the Institute of Licensing's fitness and propriety guidance to enhance consistency across authorities.

The current policy prohibits the licensing or relicensing of any vehicle written off after 1 April 2025. Officers confirmed no vehicles are currently licensed under this policy. Members discussed the possibility of allowing Category N and potentially Category S vehicles, provided independent engineering reports confirm their safety and roadworthiness. Trade representatives supported a policy review, citing the increasing cost of vehicle replacement and requested written comments to inform future reports.

Concerns were also raised about the ongoing misuse of taxi ranks by private vehicles, particularly at Kay Gardens during evening periods. Officers confirmed that reports had been referred to Parking Services and outlined current enforcement activities. The Chair requested continued reporting from the trade and assured that enforcement statistics and actions taken would be included in future meetings.

National Licensing Standards and Vehicle Accessibility

Dave Lawrie, representing the National Private Hire Association (NPHTA), provided an update on national discussions concerning wheelchair accessible vehicles, CCTV requirements, and national minimum licensing standards. It was noted that national standards would establish a minimum baseline, with local authorities retaining the discretion to implement stricter requirements. Discussions also covered proposals for wheelchair accessible vehicle quotas, challenges with existing accessible vehicle registers, the importance of driver training for wheelchair accessibility, and future decisions on vehicle testing and compliance standards. Michael Bridge requested a summary of these points from Dave Lawrie for future minutes.

Trade Representation and Future Meetings

The meeting addressed the support available to drivers attending Licensing Committee hearings. Trade representatives confirmed their organisations can offer advice and representation, contingent on driver engagement and case merits. It was noted that some applicants forgo legal representation due to cost, and alternative support may involve family or friends.

The date and time of the next meeting were discussed, with a preference for it to be held in person before the 4 January 2027 emissions compliance deadline. While initial dates were considered, no firm date was agreed upon due to availability and other commitments. Further dates will be circulated for preferences, with a Teams meeting considered if a suitable venue cannot be secured, although members expressed a preference for in-person interaction.