Greg Nelson, Trading Standards & Licensing Leadto report.

Greg Nelson, Trading Standards & Licensing Lead, introduced the report explaining that a number of pre-booked appointments are not completed due to either the driver failing to attend, is late or fails to present the correct documentation.

The recommendation is to introduce a deposit payment scheme for appointments so as to raise the percentage of appointments attended and completed.

The Chairman highlighted that no show of drivers for pre-booked appointments was wasting officer time.

Mr Yasin, representative of the taxi association explained that the process was dated and the officers did not need to see the driver, all processes should be carried out online, this would save time.

Greg Nelson explained that the onus was on the driver to complete the paperwork, officers were always on hand to assist, and that there was a need to see the drivers in person to confirm their identity and see the originals of their paperwork. There was a high number of drivers and the high turnover in the borough so officers always want to meet the drivers and keep a line of communication.

Councillor Hunt thought the suggested scheme was excellent and was very supportive of the proposal.

Councillor Sharp was generally supportive of paperwork submitted before the meeting, however, Greg Nelson explained officers did not want to have the additional task of holding the paperwork and checking it. This could be checked at the meeting and immediately returned to the driver. Councillor Sharp asked for clarity on the latest time a driver could cancel an appointment without losing their deposit and what documents were required. Greg Nelson suggested that 48 hours notice was a reasonable time to cancel without the driver losing the deposit but this would be discussed with the drivers. The documents included the drivers licence, mot certificate, insurance details and a compliance certificate.

Councillor Hilton suggested that the Chairman review the document that is sent to drivers which list the documents to ensure that it is clear. Councillor Hilton asked if it was necessary for the driver to attend the town hall to meet officers. Councillor Hilton also felt that a 50% deposit was too high and suggested a tariff system.

ACTION: Chairman to review the document sent to drivers.

Councillor Bowden was supportive of the suggestion of the deposit but felt that 50% was too high. Councillor Bowden suggested a trial period for six months.

Councillor Wilson felt it was important for the driver to attend meeting with the officers as the borough could validate any changes since the original appointment, especially as the paper version of the drivers licence was no longer issued. Councillor Wilson was supportive of the report but felt that the 50% fee element was too high and suggested a fee between 30 – 50%. If the fee was too low, the drivers would continue not to turn up for the meetings.

Councillor Smith suggested that there was an explicit reference to the refund of the deposit to make it very clear for drivers.

Councillor Hilton proposed that the introduction of a deposit payment system amounting to 30% of the cost of the licence being applied for, for licence application and renewal appointments for hackney carriage and private hire drivers, vehicles and operators. For any charges that were below £50.00, the deposit would stay at 50%. And the documentation to include the 48 hours reference. This was seconded by Councillor Hunt and unanimously agreed by the Panel.