To consider a report setting out the outcome of an Unmet Demand Survey commissioned by Torbay Council in response to the guidance issued by the Department for Transport.

The Licensing Officer presented the submitted report which set out the outcome of an Unmet Demand Survey commissioned by Torbay Council in response to the guidance issued by the Department for Transport.  The Committee noted previous reviews and the requirement to undertake an updated review.  The Committee also heard from an independent consultant and considered factors from the recent Corona Virus pandemic.

Resolved:

(i)        That Torbay Council should maintain the current quantitative limit of Hackney Carriage licences.  At present there are 162 full time licences, with 7 additional seasonal only licences (1 full time and 1 seasonal only licence which not previously been renewed and re-issued).  The recommendation to have 169 full time licences be approved; and

(ii)       that a clear policy for allocating non-renewed licences and any future Hackney Carriage licences be determined.  As per the consultant’s recommendation these licences should be allocated only to zero emission vehicles.