Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED That the proposed maximum table of fares set out in APPENDIX A to the report be approved for all Pembrokeshire’s licensed Hackney Carriage vehicles, subject to a public notice and 14 day consultation.
There were no Declarations of Interest received.
Moved by Councillor Tim Evans; Seconded by Councillor David Bryan RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 25 May 2021 be approved as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the proposed maximum table of fares set out in APPENDIX A to the report be approved for all Pembrokeshire’s licensed Hackney Carriage vehicles, subject to a public notice and 14 day consultation.
The Chair welcomed the Hackney Carriage Drivers that were attending the Meeting and invited the Lead Officer (Licensing) to present the Hackney Carriage Fare Review 2022 – Trade Consultation to the Committee. The Lead Officer (Licensing) advised Members that there had not been a review of the fares for three years and that the cost of living increases and fuel prices had necessitated this review. The Committee then debated the contents of the report. Councillor Mark Carter sought clarification on whether the increases requested had come direct from the Taxi Drivers and Mr Tim Lemon (Taxi Driver) confirmed that this was the case and that the increase was to cover their current costs and welcomed the suggestion of an annual review to take place. Ms Kate Telford (Taxi Driver) advised that they had sought the views of their customers and the Lead Officer (Licensing) advised that approximately 60 responses had been received from the survey and that these were anonymous. The Committee discussed the requested change in start time for Rate 2 fares from 10pm to 6pm as this gave greater clarity to their passengers on the cost of journey both to and from their venue and had allowed the lower percentage increase in Rate 2 fares. In response to a question from Councillor Mark Carter, the Taxi Drivers explained how the waiting tariff operated for passengers and advised that the taxi meters automatically change tariff to a ‘waiting’ tariff when caught up in traffic and that if the passenger is stuck for more than 30mins, it is at the discretion of the driver to stop the meter. The Chair raised a point of clarification on the electric taxi vehicles that were available on month long loans to taxi drivers in the locality and the Lead Officer (Licensing) advised that the offer had not been taken up. Mr Lemon (Taxi Driver) advised that he had responded positively to the offer and the Officer advised that this would be followed up. Councillor Mark Carter asked the Taxi Drivers if there was an intention to invest in adapted vehicles for disabled passengers or electric/hybrid vehicles. The Taxi Drivers advised that there were no adapted vehicles in the South of the County however, there had been no requests made. In Haverfordwest, there are seven available adapted vehicles but they are very rarely requested and cost approximately £15K extra to purchase. There was an intention to move to electric or hybrid in the future but the initial cost was prohibitive. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands was carried. Moved by Councillor Tim Evans; Seconded by Councillor John Cole RESOLVED That the proposed maximum table of fares set out in APPENDIX A to the report be approved for all Pembrokeshire’s licensed Hackney Carriage vehicles, subject to a public notice and 14 day consultation.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.