Issue - meetings

This is a follow up report following the decision made by members of the Licensing and Safety Committee meeting on Wednesday 14^th February 2024.

Contact: Fiona Goldsmith, Public Protection Group Leader, Licensing – 01484 221000

RESOLVED -

That the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Specification Policy be adopted.

The Committee received a report regarding the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Specification Policy.

Fiona Goldsmith, Public Protection Team Leader, advised the Committee that in February 2024, there had been a full revision of the Kirklees Council Vehicle Specification Policy. Members of the Committee had previously asked officers to complete additional work in relation to Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and as part of the review the Licensing Service also looked at Multiple-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs).

Ms Goldsmith, referred to appendix one of the policy and advised the Committee that the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Dimensions had been removed from the policy. This was removed due to how vehicles were measured which had been recorded in inches since 2008 and it did not reflect vehicles today. A vehicle would now be licensed based on how many seats the vehicle logbook stipulated. The Licensing Service now accepted SUVs due to a large volume of vehicles being recorded as small SUV’s, which had previously restricted such vehicles being licensed. Ms Goldsmith advised the Committee that the situation would be monitored in terms of applications received and the vehicle sizes.

A questioned was asked whether there have ever been any stipulations in the policy regarding accessibility in private hire vehicles for people who did not have a physical disability. In response, Ms Goldsmith advised that the Best Practice Guidance for Licensing Authorities in England refers to accessibility and the Licensing Service will shortly be reviewing the policy to ensure it meets the requirements around accessibility. The Committee was further advised that when vehicles were being booked, the operator would consider the type of vehicle required to ensure it would be suitable for the needs of the travelling customer.

RESOLVED -

That the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Specification Policy be adopted.