To receive any apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Committee.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Sykes.

It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Conservative Group, the membership of the Committee had been amended for this meeting by including Councillor Chris Lewis instead of Councillor Foster.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 17 February 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 17 February 2022 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the submitted report setting out the new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy referred to as ‘The Policy’. 

The Committee considered the submitted report which set out a revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.  It was noted that this Policy would amend and replace the existing Policy.

At the meeting representations were received from Jacqui Nickels from Torbay United Licensed Drivers Association, Mr Ray Hall from Torbay Licensed Taxi Association, Jud Boyle from Torbay Cab Company and

Mr Le Huray from Torbay Taxis.

Resolved:

That

1)    the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, as set out in Appendix 8 to the submitted report, be approved, with the following amendment:

That the age of the vehicles remain at 4 years and less than 50,000 miles.

2)    the Chairman of the Licensing Committee write a letter to Highways and Spatial Planning expressing the Licensing Committee’s concern regarding the current lack of infrastructure for electric vehicle charging points; and

3)    the Licensing Officer initiate a consultation with Private Hire Vehicle owners on the introduction of card machines.