To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Bhatti, Hollingsworth, Luxton, Richards and Sharp.

To receive any declarations of interest.

None were received.

To confirm the Part I Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the last meeting were unanimously agreed once Councillor Derek Wilson was attended to the list of attendees.

To consider the above report

Alan Barwise, Licensing Team Leader, starter the discussion on the policy by highlighting and correcting an error on page 29 of the Hackney Carriage Driver and Vehicle Draft Policy and Conditions. The error was that the original document stated wheelchair accessible Hackney vehicles had to be under five years of age when first registered. It should be under three years of age.

Alan Barwise continued to explain that this policy was having its regular review and that it had already been discussed at the October Meeting. The consultation had received two responses, one from Mr. Mohammad Yasin, Chairman of RBWM taxi association and the other one from Windsor Cars.

Alan Barwise went through the report from point 2.7 – 2.9 onwards as below:

2.7 Medical for Drivers

DVLA guidance was being followed in making the changes from a medical every five years to annually after 65 years of age.

2.8 Temporary Vehicle Licence Fees

The fee has not been raised for many years. The current £80.00 fee does not cover the work being carried out hence the suggestion to increase to £120.00 which would just cover the work that is carried out.

2.9 Annual Driver Checks

An annual check of drivers would be for the safety of our residents. The cost of the check would be £7.50 per driver and would provide more detailed information than the free DVLA service.

Mr Mohammad Yasin, Chairman of RBWM taxi association, raised his concerns to the Panel. Points raised by Mr. Yasin included:

·         The increase in fees for the temporary vehicle licence was an increase of 50% which was too high.

·         Council required the same paperwork so why was the increase necessary?

·         The annual driver check was available on the DVLA website, free of charge, so why was the council charging and what additional checks were needed?

·         How many more identification plates were required per taxi when there were already three external identification plates.

The Panel discussed the points in the draft policy as follows:

2.7 Medical for Drivers

Members raised the following points:

·         How long have RBWM been following the guidance, Alan Barwise advised that RBWM had always followed the guidance, this was just an updated policy, in effect from 2016.

·         Concerns over events effecting older drivers especially with the incidents recently. Councillor Wilson was supporting the annual medicals of over 65 years. It was the boroughs responsibility to ensure that drivers are competent and fit to drive and look after the safety of our residents.

·         The borough have a duty of care, safety and safeguard. Councillor Grey was in favour of the annual medicals. The cost implication of £80 - £100 per year of the medical, to the driver was raised.

·         Private Hire Cars were carrying passengers for long distances so checks were very necessary.

The Licensing Panel agreed unanimously that the annual medical checks for over 65 years were carried out.

2.8 Temporary Vehicle Licence Fees

Points raised by Members included:

·         Councillor Grey asked about how many requests  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

The next Licensing Panel is on 11 April 2016.

Members noted the next meeting of the Licensing Panel would be Monday 11 April 2016.