To consider
the report of the Head of Environment
Minutes:
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 years old to be tested by one of the Authority garages.
RESOLVED
to accept the recommendation and to approve the new arrangements for the testing
of vehicles over 10 years old.
·
That cars over 10 years old
that require two mechanical tests per annum are referred to the Council garages
at Cibyn, Pwllheli and Dolgellau for the tests.
·
That three other garages are
authorised as 'reserve' garages during the periods when Council garages are too
busy to undertake the tests.
·
That a procedure is established to enable vehicle owners to be able to make
arrangements and pay to have vehicle tests in Council garages via a
self-service electronic form.
·
That a discussion takes place
with the Royal Mail's vehicle testing centre in Llandygai in order to try and
find out if they would be interested in offering a taxi vehicle testing
service.
·
That Council garages continue
to receive cars for testing occasionally that are randomly referred by the
Licensing enforcement officer, in accordance with the inspection powers under
section 68 of the Local Government
(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976; whatever the age of the vehicle.
·
That it is intended that the
arrangement will be operational from April 2019
·
That vehicles under 10 years
old continue to be tested in accordance with the current procedure.
Supporting documents: