Meeting documents

Following a request from the Licensing and Regulation Committee, members of the Chiltern District Drivers’ Association and representatives from other taxi operators were in attendance to discuss taxi and private hire licensing in the Chiltern District.

The Chairman opened the meeting by noting the important (and often unrecognised) role undertaken by taxi and private hire drivers.  The group were a significant service provider in the district and provided an important service to vulnerable groups.  The following key points were then raised during the ensuing discussion:

• Reference was made to the reasons for the Council’s decision not to increase fares in 2011.  Drivers advised that they did not need to be told about the impact fare increases had on vulnerable people.  They were well aware and were only asking for what was fair.  They stated that they knew the community well and did not feel that an increase would have unfairly affected vulnerable people.

• The number of drivers was causing parking problems and issues with parking attendants.  Concern was expressed that new regulations allowing the Police to enforce traffic regulations would exacerbate the situation.  Drivers requested as much parking as possible.  Regarding the assertion that the number of drivers was a cause of the parking problems, Members asked whether consideration of a limit on the number of drivers would help; the drivers declined to discuss this.  One representative from a taxi operator disputed that there were too many drivers.

• Drivers considered that comparisons with fares in Wycombe were unfair since facilities such as the university, hospital, and lots of social venues, generated a lot of taxi work in Wycombe.

• It was suggested that one of the bus stops by ‘Simply the Best’ Dry Cleaners in Chesham could be moved, and a taxi rank installed.  The Licensing Officer confirmed that this had been explored with Bucks Highways but had been refused on technical and safety grounds due to the turning circle requirements of buses.

• The Head of Health and Housing advised that the Licensing Authority could make suggestions to Bucks Highways regarding the placement of taxi ranks.  The process took approximately 6 months, and the trade would need to provide maps with locations.

• Concern was raised at the subsidised buses that were taking trade away from drivers, though it was acknowledged that buses were the responsibility of the County Council.

• Reference was made to incidents in the Prestwood / Missenden area where it had been alleged that unlicensed vehicles, and vehicles with Aylesbury Vale plates had been seen operating.  It was confirmed that the Licensing Authority were aware of the issue, and it was being investigated in partnership with Thames Valley Police and Aylesbury Vale District Council.  Concern was expressed from an operator that it had taken some time for the licensing authority to take action following the complaints, and that action had only been taken once the local Councillor became involved.  The Head of Health and Housing advised that he would look into the issue as a complaint against the service.

• Drivers were thanked for observing the Remembrance Day Silence in Chesham each year.

The Chairman advised that the Licensing Authority were keen to re-invigorate the Taxi Forum and maintain a dialogue with drivers, operators, the police and Bucks Highways to resolve issues.  Two Members of the Committee would also be on the forum, and it was agreed that this should be the Chairman or in his absence the Vice-Chairman, and one other - interested Members should contact officers.

The Chairman thanked all drivers and operators for attending; it was hoped that a similar event could be held in future.  A proposal document from the Chiltern District Drivers’ Association was left with the Democratic Services Officer for circulation to Members.

RESOLVED -

That the matters raised by the Chiltern District Drivers’ Association and representatives from other operators be noted.

Note: Following the meeting Councillor H Trevette volunteered to be a representative on the Taxi Forum.