Licensing Committee - 10/01/2013

At a MEETING of the LICENSING COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 10th January, 2013.

 

Present:-

 

COUNCILLORS

 

John ALEXANDER

Stewart HUNTER

Lesley BRENNAN

David BOWES

Alan G ROSS

Tom FERGUSON

 

Laurie BIDWELL

 

 

Councillor Stewart HUNTER, Convener, in the Chair.

 

The minute of meeting of this Committee of 10th December, 2012 was held as read.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

No declarations of interest were made.

 

II MINUTE OF MEETING OF LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE

 

The minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee held on 6th December, 2012 was submitted for information and record purposes, a copy of which is attached to this minute as (Appendix I).

 

III MINUTE OF MEETING OF TAXI LIAISON GROUP

 

The minute of meeting of the Taxi Liaison Group held on 10th July, 2012 was submitted and noted for information and record purposes, a copy of which is attached to this minute as (Appendix II).

 

IV CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

 

The Committee noted that the undernoted applications had been granted under delegated powers.

 

(a) NEW APPLICATIONS GRANTED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS

 

PRIVATE HIRE OPERATORS - NEW APPLICATION

 

No

Name

 

 

1

Stuart Morrison

 

 

SECOND HAND DEALERS - NEW APPLICATION

 

No

Name

 

 

1

Albert McIntosh

 

 

TAXI DRIVER - NEW APPLICATIONS

 

No

Name

 

 

1

Shahzad Akram

 

2

Mohammed Z Hashmi

 

3

Alistair Hutton

 

4

Antony Lynch

 

5

Rikki McGovern

 

6

Andrew Reilly

 

7

Brian J Sturrock

 

 

TAXI OPERATOR - NEW APPLICATIONS

 

No

Name

 

 

1

David Douglas

 

2

Dundee Private Hire x 5

 

3

Kindertons Ltd

 

4

Mohammed Z Hashmi

 

5

James McGhee

 

6

Thomas Sandeman

 

7

Albert Thoms

 

 

(b) MARKET OPERATORS LICENCE - NEW APPLICATION

 

There was submitted the undernoted application.

 

No

Name

Address

 

1

Angela Scott

High Street, Dundee

 

In the case of this application, the Committee noted that application had been made for a market in the High Street on the following dates:-

 

1st to 7th April, 24th to 30th June, 2nd to 8th September and 2nd to 24th December, 2013.

 

The Committee noted that a letter of objection had been submitted in relation to this application. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter of objection. Thereafter, having heard the objector on their own behalf, the applicant, a representative of the applicant and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that consideration of the application be deferred to the meeting of this Committee to be held on 7th February, 2013.

 

(c) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - NEW APPLICATION

 

There was submitted the undernoted application.

 

No

Name

Address

 

1

Mark Tait

27 St Mary's Street

 

The Committee noted that the applicant was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. Thereafter, having noted that the applicant had failed to pass the street test within the prescribed period, the Committee agreed the application be refused.

 

(d) FARES FOR HIRES OF TAXIS

 

(a) Annual Review

 

It was reported that in terms of the agreed formula the increase using transport indices is 3.86% which brought about the following changes to the tariffs which were recommended for approval. The proposals would have to be advertised and subject to any public objections, new scales would take effect from 1st April, 2013. Charges at the testing centre would also increase using the same formula.

 

Tariff 1 (daytime) 2.87 increasing to 2.98.

 

Tariff 2 (weekday evenings) 3.16 increasing to 3.28 (Tariff 1 plus 10%).

 

Tariff 3 (weekend evenings) 3.44 increasing to 3.58 (Tariff 1 plus 20%).

 

Tariff 4 (festive period) 4.02 increasing to 4.17 (Tariff 1 plus 40%).

 

For information, there would be no increase to the charges for additional yardage in any tariffs as the 3.86% increase meant that Tariff 1, currently 15p, would have been 15.58p which fell short of the agreed threshold of 15.70p when the increase would be applied. Any increase identified at the next review would however be applied to 15.58p.

 

The Committee agreed the terms of the note.

 

(b) Carriage of Items - Additional Exemption

 

It was reported that currently there was an additional charge of 30p for each parcel etc carried in the boot. Child's buggies and bags of groceries were exempt from this charge and therefore carried free. Following discussion and agreement with the Trade, it was recommended that any item designed to assist the mobility of taxi users eg wheelchairs or walkers also be exempt from the additional charge.

 

The Committee agreed the terms of the note.

 

(e) TAXI DRIVER TRAINING

 

On a reference to Article IV of the minute of meeting of this Committee of 23rd October, 2012, it was reported that officers had met with a number of training providers, one of which was People First, who offered nationally recognised qualifications, one of which was a VRQ (Vocationally Related Qualification), in Transporting Passengers by Taxi and Private Hire Car.

 

A presentation was made to the Taxi Liaison Group and background details were submitted.

 

Following discussion at the Taxi Liaison Group, there was unanimous support for participation in the pilot scheme referred to and the Committee agreed to approve the recommendation from the Taxi Liaison Group that the Council participate in the pilot scheme and authorise officers accordingly.

 

V HOUSING SCOTLAND ACT 2006

 

(a) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - NEW APPLICATIONS

 

There were submitted the undernoted applications.

 

No

Name

Person Responsible

Address

 

1

Hilary A E Wallace

Grant Property Solutions Ltd/

Peter Grant

Flat 10, Tayview Apts, 12 Dock Street

2

Alison Hogg

Caalcare Ltd/Catherine Hogg

78 Seafield Road

3

K, P and A Samani

Grant Property Solutions Ltd/

Peter Grant

4H Stirling Street

4

Moira M Chadwick

West One Properties (UK) Ltd/

Lee Chadwick

Flat 20, 2 Blinshall Street

5

Julie M and Martin D Dewar

24 Springfield

6

Cameron M Watson

Ground Floor, 10 Dudhope Street

7

Ship 1 Ltd

1/2, 28 Clepington Road

8

Ship 1 Ltd

2/0, 18D City Road

9

Ship 1 Ltd

3/1, 2 Hepburn Street

10

Ship 1 Ltd

Flat 2, 100 Victoria Road

11

Ship 1 Ltd

39 St Andrew's Street

12

Ship 1 Ltd

2/0, 2 North George Street

13

Ship 1 Ltd

1/1, 93 Nethergate

14

Ship 1 Ltd

1/0, 19 Milnbank Road

15

Ship 1 Ltd

1/2, 89 Arbroath Road

16

Ship 1 Ltd

G/1, 49 Lyon Street

17

Ship 1 Ltd

2/2, 89 Arbroath Road

18

Engineering Spreadsheets Ltd

12 Springfield

19

Barrie and Leslie Dear

4B Stirling Street

 

In the case of Application Nos 1 and 3, the Committee, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, agreed that the applications be granted.

 

In the case of Application Nos 2 and 4, the Committee noted that the Certificates of Compliance had now been received to the satisfaction of the Housing Department. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Housing Department, the Committee agreed the applications be granted.

 

In the case of Application Nos 5 to 19, the Committee agreed that consideration of these applications be deferred to a future meeting.

 

(b) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - VARIATIONS

 

There were submitted the undernoted requests for variation.

 

No

Address

Nature of Variation

 

1

1st Floor, 51 Meadowside

Change of day to day manager to Pavilion Properties/Paul Letley.

 

2

2nd Floor, 51 Meadowside

Change of day to day manager to Pavilion Properties/Paul Letley.

 

3

1/2, 58 Peddie Street

Change to day to day manager to Rossclare Lettings/Neil Thomson.

 

In the case of Request Nos 1 to 3, there being no objections, the Committee agreed the requests be granted.

 

(c) HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION - UPDATE

 

Reference was made to Article II(k) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 28th June, 2012, wherein the Committee agreed to grant renewal of the undernoted application but to recall it in January, 2013 for an update from the Private Sector Services Unit.

 

1

Eric D and Donna M Chaloner

Easylets/Jack Reavley

130 Hill Street

 

In the case of this licence, the Committee, having heard a representative of the Housing Department and the Clerk, agreed to note that there were no adverse observations and that no further action be taken.

 

The Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3, 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

 

VI CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

 

(a) LATE HOURS CATERING LICENCE - NEW APPLICATION

 

There was submitted an application by Mr S G for a Late Hours Catering Licence.

 

The Committee noted that the application was to allow for hours of operation until 4am on Mondays to Sundays and that this was outwith policy. The Committee gave consideration to a letter of representation which had been submitted by the Chief Constable relevant to this application, a letter of objection which had been submitted by a member of the public and letters of support which had been submitted on behalf of the applicant. Thereafter, having heard the objector on their own behalf, a representative of the Chief Constable, a representative on behalf of the applicant, the Clerk and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that the application be granted, subject to compliance with the policy on late hours catering and that the hours of operation be until 2.30 am only.

 

(b) TAXI DRIVER'S/TAXI OPERATOR'S LICENCE - SUSPENSION HEARINGS

 

(i) Reference was made to Article III(b)(ii) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 6th December, 2012, wherein it was agreed to hold a hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr J M during the currency of his Taxi Driver's and Taxi Operator's Licence.

 

The Committee gave consideration to a letter of information which had been submitted by the Environmental Compliance Manager relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr J M during the currency of his Taxi Driver's and Taxi Operator's Licence. Thereafter, having heard the Environmental Compliance Manager, the licence holder on their own behalf, the Clerk and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that a written warning be issued to the licence holder as to their future conduct.

 

(ii) Reference was made to Article III(b)(iii) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub‑Committee held on 6th December, 2012, wherein it was agreed to hold a hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr P T during the currency of his Taxi Driver's and Taxi Operator's Licence.

 

The Committee gave consideration to a letter of information which had been submitted by the Environmental Compliance Manager relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr P T during the currency of his Taxi Driver's and Taxi Operator's Licence. Thereafter, having heard the Environmental Compliance Manager, the licence holder on their own behalf, the Clerk and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that a written warning be issued to the licence holder as to their future conduct.

 

(c) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - NEW APPLICATION

 

Reference was made to Article V(b)(i) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 6th December, 2012, wherein the Committee agreed to defer consideration of an application by Mr D G for a Taxi Driver's Licence to await the outcome of a medical report.

 

In the case of this application, the Committee, having heard the Clerk, noted that the application had been withdrawn from consideration by the applicant.

 

(d) TAXI DRIVERS LICENCE - RENEWAL APPLICATION

 

Reference was made to Article IV(a)(ii) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 28th June, 2012, wherein the Committee agreed to grant an application by Mr D F for a Taxi Driver's Licence but to bring back the application for an update from Tayside Police on the operation of the licence. The original letter of representation from the Chief Constable relevant to this application was also submitted. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable, the Committee agreed to grant the application until May, 2014.

 

(e) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - SUSPENSION HEARING

 

(i) Reference was made to Article II(a) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub‑Committee held on 9th November, 2012, wherein the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr C B was suspended with immediate effect and that it was agreed that a hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr C B to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

 

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr C B during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable, an agent on behalf of the licence holder and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to adjourn the hearing until the meeting of this Committee to be held on 7th February, 2013 to allow for evidence that the fine placed upon the licence holder had been paid and to recall the suspension of the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr C B with immediate effect.

(ii) Reference was made to Article II(a)(i) of the Licensing Sub-Committee held on 1st November, 2012, wherein it was agreed to hold a hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr D J during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence. There was submitted a letter of information from a member of the public relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr D J during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence. The Committee noted that the complainer was not present. Thereafter, having heard the Clerk, a representative on behalf of the licence holder and the licence holder on their own behalf, the Committee agreed that no further action be taken.

 

(iii) Reference was made to Article IV(b)(vi) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 1st November, 2012, wherein it was agreed to adjourn consideration of the hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr M M during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence to await the outcome of criminal proceedings.

 

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr M M during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence. The Committee noted that the licence holder was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter submitted by the Chief Constable. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to suspend the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Mr M N with immediate effect for the unexpired portion of the licence.

 

(iv) Reference was made to Article III(a)(i) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub‑Committee held on 6th December, 2012, wherein it was agreed to hold a hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Ms L S during the currency of her Taxi Driver's Licence.

 

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relevant to the alleged conduct of Ms L S during the currency of her Taxi Driver's Licence. The Committee noted that the licence holder was not present and agreed that the matter be considered in their absence. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable, the Clerk and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to suspend the Taxi Driver's Licence held by Ms L S with immediate effect for the unexpired portion of the licence.

 

(v) Reference was made to Article V(c)(xii) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 6th December, 2012, wherein it was agreed to adjourn consideration of the hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Mr D S during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence to await the outcome of criminal proceedings.

 

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr D S during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable, the licence holder on their own behalf and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that a written warning be issued to the licence holder with regard to their future conduct.

 

(f) TAXI OPERATOR'S LICENCE - SUSPENSION HEARING

 

Reference was made to Article II(c) of the minute of meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee held on 1st November, 2012, wherein it was agreed to hold a hearing in relation to the alleged conduct of Company C T during the currency of their Taxi Operator's Licence.

 

There was submitted a letter of information from the Plant and Vehicle Officer relevant to the alleged conduct of Company C T during the currency of their Taxi Operator's Licence. The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard the Plant and Vehicle Officer, an agent on behalf of the licence holder, the licence holder on their own behalf, the Clerk and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, and consideration of a document which was submitted in support of the licence holder, the Committee agreed to issue a written warning to the licence holder as to their future maintenance of the vehicle in question and any other vehicles operated by the company.

 

The Convener agreed that the undernoted item of business be considered as a matter of urgency in terms of Standing Order No 17(b) in view of the timescales involved.

 

(g) REQUEST FOR EXTENSION FOR TIME TO WIND-UP ESTATE OF DECEASED TAXI LICENCE HOLDER

 

Reference was made to Article VI(f)(ii) of the minute of meeting of this Committee held on 6th September, 2012, wherein the Committee agreed to the request from the Executor of the late Mr G S for an extension of time to wind-up his estate until January, 2013.

 

There was submitted a letter from the partner of the late Mr G S, who had been the holder of a Taxi Licence requesting a further extension of time to wind-up the estate.

 

The Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard the applicant on their own behalf and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed that a further extension of three weeks be granted up until 7th February, 2013 and that the applicant submit a letter from their solicitor on the position of the estate should any further extension be required.

 

 

 

 

Stewart HUNTER, Convener.

 

At a MEETING of the LICENSING SUB-COMMITTEE held at Dundee on 6th December, 2012.

 

APPENDIX I

 

Present:-

 

Councillor Stewart HUNTER

Councillor Dave BOWES

Councillor Tom FERGUSON

 

Councillor Stewart HUNTER, Convener, in the Chair.

 

Unless marked thus * all items stand delegated.

 

The Sub-Committee resolved under Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3, 6 and 9 of Part I of Schedule 7A of the Act.

 

I DECLARATION OF INTEREST

 

No declarations of interest were made.

 

II HOUSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2006

 

(a) HOUSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2006 - REQUEST FOR HEARING

 

There was submitted a letter of information from the Private Sector Services Manager relevant to the conduct of Mr J C during the currency of his registration as a landlord, the holder of a Houses in Multiple Occupation Licence and his ability to act as a day to day manager on behalf of other landlords or licence holders.

 

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard from the Private Sector Services Manager and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Committee agreed to hold a hearing in relation to the fitness of Mr J C to be a registered landlord, to be the holder of a Houses in Multiple Occupation Licence and his ability to act as a day to day manager on behalf of other landlords or licence holders.

 

III CIVIC GOVERNMENT (SCOTLAND) ACT 1982

 

(a) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE - REQUEST FOR HEARING

 

There was submitted a letter of information from the Chief Constable relevant to the alleged conduct of Ms L S during the currency of her Taxi Driver's Licence.

 

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard a representative of the Chief Constable and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Sub‑Committee agreed that a hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Ms L S to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence.

 

(b) TAXI DRIVER'S LICENCE AND TAXI OPERATOR'S LICENCE - REQUEST FOR HEARING

 

(i) There was submitted a letter of information from Baillies, Solicitors, relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr N B during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence and Taxi Operator's Licence.

 

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter.

 

Thereafter, having considered the advice of the Clerk, the Sub-Committee agreed that a hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr N B to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence and Taxi Operator's Licence.

 

(ii) There was submitted a letter of information from the Environmental Compliance Manager relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr J McM during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence and Taxi Operator's Licence.

 

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard the Environmental Compliance Manager and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Sub‑Committee agreed that a hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr J McM to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence and Taxi Operator's Licence.

 

(iii) There was submitted a letter of information from the Environmental Compliance Manager relevant to the alleged conduct of Mr P T during the currency of his Taxi Driver's Licence and Taxi Operator's Licence.

 

The Sub-Committee gave consideration to the content of the letter. Thereafter, having heard the Environmental Compliance Manager and consideration of the advice of the Legal Officer, the Sub‑Committee agreed that a hearing be held in due course in relation to the fitness of Mr P T to be the holder of a Taxi Driver's Licence and Taxi Operator's Licence.

 

 

 

 

Stewart HUNTER, Convener.

 

At a MEETING of the TAXI LIAISON GROUP held at Dundee on 10th July, 2012.

 

APPENDIX II

 

Present:-

 

DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL OFFICER REPRESENTATIVES

 

Stuart GALLOWAY, Principal General Services Officer, Support Services Department

Brian WOODCOCK, Senior Solicitor, Licensing, Support Services Department

Neil GELLATLY, City Development Department

Mark DEVINE, City Development Department

Dave LINDSAY, City Development Department

Ian McCANDLESS, Environment Department

 

TAXI TRADE REPRESENTATIVES

 

Steve CASHLEY, Dundee 505050

Erik THORESEN, Dundee Hackney Association

David YOUNG, Dundee Private Hire (203020) Ltd

Graeme STEPHEN, Dundee Taxi Association

Doug MARTIN, Tay Taxis

John CURRAN, Tele Taxis

Chris ELDER, Unite the Union

 

TAYSIDE POLICE REPRESENTATIVES

 

Cammy FORBES (Constable)

Neil CRUICKSHANK (Constable)

 

Also attending:-

 

Elena BROWN, Dundee City Council NEC Programme Office

 

Stuart GALLOWAY, in the Chair.

 

I MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

The minutes of meetings of Taxi Liaison Group held on 22nd March, 2012 and 17th April, 2012 were submitted and noted for information and record purposes.

 

II MATTERS ARISING

 

In relation to the minute of meeting held on 22nd March, 2012, the Chair advised the Group that procedures were in place for notifying Taxi Trade representatives of those licence holders who may have been suspended with immediate effect.

 

In relation to the minute of meeting of 17th April, 2012, the Chair advised that seven appeals had been lodged with the Traffic Commissioner, however, these may not progress to formal appeal hearing, and the procedure in this respect was outlined. It was reported that one person had withdrew their appeal and that Ian McCandless had arrangements in place pending the outcome of the hearing.

 

III DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL

 

Items on agenda at request of Dundee City Council.

 

(a) AIR QUALITY

 

There was submitted an update report by Tim Steiner of JMP with reference to a meeting of the Liaison Group held on 17th January, 2012, wherein the process of the development of an air quality charter for the city was outlined. At that meeting, there was discussion about various potential mechanisms to reduce air pollution from taxis and others types of vehicles. It was reported that JMP had subsequently completed an assessment exercise which had sought to identify the contribution that different options could make to reducing traffic pollution at key locations where air quality was particularly poor. The Group noted:-

 

(i) that the Council, along with further partners, was now considering the findings of this exercise and how best to bring forward some of the options that would secure the biggest benefits;

 

(ii) that at this stage, no significant changes to taxi operations, such as to ranks or exemptions from bans for general traffic, were being considered for air quality reasons;

 

(iii) that Dundee City Council had also bid for and obtained Scottish Government Funding to provide fuel efficient driver training for many taxi drivers in the city and that this would be provided free of charge and had been proven elsewhere to notably reduce fuel consumed for most drivers so reducing pollution and general fuel cost savings; and

 

(iv) that more details of this would be provided to the Taxi Liaison Group in due course by the Councils Transport Management Team.

 

(b) NATIONAL ENTITLEMENT SMARTCARD IN DUNDEE

 

Elena Brown reported that a meeting on National Entitlement Smartcard in Dundee had been arranged by the Corporate Planning Division of Dundee City Council and this would be held on 13th August, 2012 from 2.00 pm until 4.30 pm to which representation from the Taxi Trade would be welcomed. Venue had still to be confirmed.

 

Dundee City Council was the lead Council for developing the National Entitlement Card and the Council was holding a workshop to discuss how to take forward development with the NEC as part of Dundee city's strategy for the future.

 

There were over 50,000 Dundee citizens already using the NEC, including over 90% of secondary school pupils and over 60 year olds, and additionally Dundee College and University of Abertay students using it as their matriculation card. It was actively used in twelve distinct service contexts and with some thought and planning could do so much more to widen and streamline access to services.

 

The meeting on 13th August, 2012 would include presentations on current position as well as some innovative proposals for further development. This would lead to a new plan to take the NEC forward to its next stage of development in Dundee. The Council were looking for up to two representatives from the Taxi Liaison Group to attend the meeting to represent the interests of the Taxi Trade at this meeting and report back to the Liaison Group.

 

The Group agreed to put forward George Harris, Chris Elder, Steve Cashley and Dave Young as representatives.

 

(c) ALTERING THE VEHICLE TEST INFORMATION

 

The Group noted that a Sub-Group would be formed comprising the Chair, Graeme Stephen and Ian McCandless, John Curran and Dave Young and that a document would be issued for consultation. The Sub-Group may also discuss issues in relation to the transfer of test certificate.

 

(d) MARCHBANKS

 

The Group noted that Taxi Test Facilities Operations at Clepington Road would be relocated to Marchbanks in October, 2012.

 

(e) DRIVER TRAINING

 

The Group discussed current proposals in relation to providing training courses for driver training. Costs associated with attendance and the possible training provider were considered. Training provided by other taxi offices within Dundee was also outlined. The Group noted that a recognised training provider would be sourced to provide the training and that an update may be provided at the September meeting of the Committee.

 

IV DUNDEE TAXI ASSOCIATION

 

Items on agenda at request of Dundee Taxi Association.

 

(a) PRIVATE HIRE ISSUES

 

Graeme Stephen reported on concerns that had been known to him in relation to the alleged practises of private hire vehicle drivers.

 

The Group noted the submission and the need for witnesses to advise relevant enforcement agencies accordingly.

 

(b) TAXI MARSHALS/CABS ENFORCEMENT

 

Graeme Stephen reported on experiences of taxi drivers at the location of the G Casino and that consideration should be given to appropriate enforcement to be implemented at that location.

 

The Group noted that discussions would be held with the G Casino with a view to obtaining their assistance with this matter in the interests of their operation at that location and the safety of patrons and that discussion would take place with Neil Gellatly and Tayside Police as to whether or not funding may be available to allow for the implementation of taxi marshals as an aid to public safety at this venue.

 

(c) CHILD RESTRAINTS IN TAXI/PRIVATE HIRE AND THE CARRIAGE OF CHILDREN IN PRAMS

 

Graeme Stephen reported on an issue in relation to child restraints in taxi/private hire and the carriage of children in prams. In this respect, Constable Forbes clarified an enforcement matter which had taken place in relation to the particular incident which Mr Stephen was referring to and the correct carriage of a child in that instance.

 

The Group noted the position and that revised conditions would make it much clearer what the position was in relation to child restraints and that driver training may also assist with this purpose.

 

(d) A MORATORIUM OF OPERATORS LICENCES

 

Graeme Stephen reported on the possibility of a moratorium of operators licences for a period of time.

 

The Group noted that a report would be submitted to a meeting of the Licensing Committee in September on the possible balance of percentages of the Taxi Fleet which may allow for this matter to be considered.

 

V UNITE THE UNION

 

Items on agenda at request of Unite the Union.

 

(a) TINTED GLASS IN TAXIS

 

Chris Elder reported on an issue in relation to tinted glass in taxis.

 

Ian McCandless explained the background to this particular matter and that the current policy in this respect was in place in the interests of public safety and the security of passengers.

 

Following discussion, the Group agreed that the policy not be changed.

 

(b) SPARE WHEEL

 

Chris Elder explained an issue in relation to practices of manufacturers in relation to spare wheels and how this would affect vehicles operated as a taxi.

 

The Group agreed that this matter may be discussed with the Sub-Group referred to at Article III(c) and be included as part of the test conditions.

 

VI DUNDEE HACKNEY ASSOCIATION

 

Items on agenda at request of Dundee Hackney Association.

 

(a) INDEPENDENT TAXI DEMAND SURVEY

 

The Group noted that this item had been withdrawn from consideration by the representative of Dundee Hackney Association.

 

(b) TAXI NUMBER CAPPING

 

The Group noted that this item had been withdrawn from consideration by the representative of Dundee Hackney Association.

 

(c) 100% WAV TAXIS

 

The Group noted that this item had been withdrawn from consideration by the representative of Dundee Hackney Association.

 

(d) ILLEGAL HIRED PLATES

 

The Group noted that this item had been withdrawn from consideration by the representative of Dundee Hackney Association and that, however, Dave Young wished for this particular matter to be considered. In this respect, Mr Young reported his concern in relation to capping the number of taxis may mean that the issue in relation to plate hiring was not resolved. In this respect, Graeme Stephen suggested that the introduction of company licences for saloon cars may mean that this matter was no longer a problem. Constable Cruickshank explained the checks which had taken place to date by Tayside Police in relation to investigations on plate hiring.

 

The Group noted the position.

 

VII TAYSIDE POLICE

 

Items on agenda at request of Tayside Police.

 

(a) BOUNDARY CHARGES

 

Constable Forbes reported that complaints had been received from members of the public on the variance of boundaries charges being applied by drivers and reported incidents in this respect. It was stated that agreement on the fares for cross boundary journeys must be secured at commencement of the journey and that if a boundary charge was made known to the passenger prior to commencement of journey this may avoid any unnecessary difficulties.

 

The Group noted the position.

 

VIII LICENCE HOLDER - PETER FRASER

 

Item on agenda at request of licence holder, Peter Fraser.

 

(a) SPACE SAVER WHEELS

 

The Group noted that this matter had been considered under Article VI(b) of this minute.

 

 

 

 

Stuart GALLOWAY, Chair.