Agenda item

To receive the report

Meeting Chair, Dawn Johnson reported that she had requested that this item come to the committee ,  she had a lot of people in her area reliant on taxis and buses.  John Rendell – Licensing Function attended to present the update: 

·         There is minimal legislation relating to taxi specifications which gives the council a log of discretion in this area. 

·         His report sets out the responsibilities drivers have regarding assisting and carrying people with disabilities. 

·         The team are addressing the issues they are aware of in the Taunton Deane area in particular (despite this being the area with the largest number of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs).  Team are looking at other factors and incentives for the trade that may improve their availability. 

·         The team are preparing a new taxi and licensing policy for Somerset  - The council inherited 5 separate taxi and private hire licencing policies and a uniform approach is required for the future in line with the latest government guidance. 

Comments/questions: 

·         Relating to the South Somerset area - what would be the cost to providers for adapting to provide the WAVs? – John confirmed yes and that driver training and attitude is a problem, so training is required. 

·         John Rendell confirmed they are already working on a list of approved suppliers.  They are also considering adding this as a standards requirement due to the particular issues being experienced at the moment. 

·         Issues were raised regarding access to WAVS for events in the evenings Yeovil.  

·         Members were surprised that only one previous authority had required taxi drivers to be trained. 

·         Hopeful that further training for the drivers will mean they are more confident to deal with people with disabilities and different needs 

·         John Rendell confirmed that although it is possible to prosecute drivers for refusing the work, it is not usually done on a first offence.  They find its more effective to impose other sanctions for example – revoking a licence. 

·         The team are looking to harmonise the way penalties etc are dealt with there are currently multiple policies. 

·         Unacceptable when 20% of the population is disabled that people are struggling with access to WAVs 

·         The team always encourage public to raise complaints however they recognise the people may be reluctant to do so.  There are offences under the Equalities Act. 

·         Discussion regarding the vital role volunteer teams – e.g Wivvy Care and Blackdown provide supporting the rural communities provide and the needs to develop these and see if the LCN’s can provide any support or funding. 

·         Suggested that taxi groups could meet with disability group representatives.  And could MP’s assist.   

·         Members were keen that taxis had the opportunity to advertise as being accessibility and disability compliant. 

·         Members felt that the Mendip area may have been influenced by the large number of community car schemes in this area. 

The Committee requested that the proposed policy document was shared in advance so they will be able to scrutinise and comment on the policy before it is formally introduced.

The chair thanked officers for their reports to this meeting.