Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Eryl Jones-Williams, Sion Jones and Peter Read

          A concern was highlighted about the attendance of some Members. It was noted that the matter had been referred to the Monitoring Officer and the Democratic Services Manager.

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

          No declarations of personal interest were received from any members present.

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

None to note

The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the meeting of this Committee, held on 10 September 2018 be signed as a true record. 

The Chairman signed the minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2018, as a true record.

To submit, for information, minutes of the General Licensing Sub-committee meeting held on the following date –

a) 10.09.2018

b) 17.10.2018

Submitted, for information, the minutes of a meeting of the General Licensing Sub-committee that took place on 10.09.2018 and 17.10.2018

To consider the report of the Head of Environment

A report was submitted by the Head of the Environment Department recommending new arrangements for testing hackney and private hire vehicles over 10 years old. It was highlighted that it was a requirement that every hackney and private hire vehicle had a standard MOT test annually, with an additional requirement for two mechanical tests once the vehicles reached 10 years old. It was emphasised that these tests were vital for ensuring the safety of taxi vehicles. It was noted that these requirements are incorporated as licensing conditions and had been adopted in the Council’s taxi vehicle licensing policy. The requirements were also based on the advice in the Ministry of Transport’s good practice guidance.

          It was noted, due to concerns over controlling the standard and consistency of mechanical tests, that a number of Councils authorised garages that served the Authority's fleet vehicles to undertake the mechanical tests on licensed vehicles. It was added that this would be advantageous as it would be possible to keep a tight control on the standards and that it was also an opportunity to generate income for the Council.

          In response to a question regarding the number of mechanical tests required over the next 12 months on vehicles, it was noted that conducting two tests on vehicles over 10 years old had been included in the numbers contained in the report. It was added that the Council garages were eager to participate in the arrangements, and in order to avoid undue pressure on them, it was proposed that three other garages were authorised as 'reserve' garages during busy periods. It was noted that initial discussions had already taken place with the Royal Mail to use its garage in Bangor as one of the reserve garages as the Royal Mail adhered to national standards in relation to fleet testing. The other two garages had not yet been identified.

          In response to a question about the requirements of the second test, it was explained that it was broader than a general MOT and that it would include, for example, the condition of the car, signage, safety belts and first aid provision. It was noted that the check-list was extensive.

          In response to a question regarding the age threshold for the use of a car as a taxi, it was noted that 12 years was the period, and that this was under review.

          In response to an observation about monitoring the standards of the 16 garages (across Gwynedd) that had been authorised to conduct the tests, it was noted that checks were held by a licensing officer. All garages qualified to offer MOTs also had to comply with VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) requirements.

          One member was concerned that some taxi companies would deviate from the arrangements, but it was confirmed that it would continue to be mandatory for cars up to 10 years old to be tested by one of the 16 authorised garages. It was reiterated that it would be mandatory for vehicles over 10  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Purpose – to verbally inform the members of the intention to establish a Task and Finish Group of members to consider the main aspects of the draft Unified Taxi Licensing Policy, before public consultation – and to establish terms of reference for the group.

A verbal update was provided, noting that the unified policy was still being developed, with the intention of submitting a draft in March. It was intended to establish a task and finish group to examine the main aspects of the Unified Taxi Licensing Policy prior to the public consultation. It was also noted that it was intended to establish a terms of reference for the group.

The information was ACCEPTED.