Eastleigh Borough Council Licensed Transport Forum Meeting

Councillor Pretty (Vice-Chair) chaired the meeting of the Licensed Transport Forum in the absence of the Chair, who had sent his apologies.

RESOLVED –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 2 February 2023 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented the Action List (Agenda Item 3).

It was agreed that Ageas Bowl would be removed from the Action List.

Roger Vivian requested that drivers be given the choice to apply for their DBS before their knowledge test.

The Licensing Manager and Senior Licensing Officer agreed to discuss further to see if it was something they could make work.

The Senior Licensing Officer gave an update to the Forum on the number of applications received from 3 February to 7 June 2023.

The Senior Licensing Officer gave an enforcement update and confirmed that mystery shopping had restarted and, overall, there had been good results.

The Senior Licensing Officer thanked his team for all their hard work in keeping things going whilst he was away.

Steve Lucas requested further mystery shopping could also take place at unsociable hours.

The Senior Licensing Officer updated the Forum that there were no issues they were aware of and that letters to book safeguarding training now went out earlier.

Roger Vivian stated that he had received some complaints around the providers running late or missing people that had registered. He requested that the providers be spoken to to request they run on time.

The Licensing Manager and Senior Licensing Officer agreed that they would speak to the provider to clarify the process.

The Licensing Manager updated the Forum that there had been another court case against mandated camera systems being installed, and that the case had been lost.

There was further discussion around CCTV systems in vehicles,

The Licensed Transport Forum confirmed that their position in relation to CCTV in vehicles remained the same.

The Senior Licensing Officer informed the Forum that all drivers were now registered on the NR3 National Database of Suspensions, Refusals and Revocations.

He stated that there was further information on the website if anyone wanted to read further.

Kevin May stated that he felt that topography tests were now outdated and unnecessary due to technology available.

Leigh Dodds queried whether they could be simplified.

The Senior Charted Legal Executive (FCILEx) agreed to review and revisit the tests, and would bring the outcome back before the Forum once a decision was reached.

Kevin May queried whether plates on vehicles could be renewed three yearly rather than yearly.

The Licensing Manager stated that current legislation did not allow for that to happen.

The Forum went on to discuss removing expiry dates from plates, officers stated they were against this as it opened up opportunities for plates to be used on unlicensed vehicles - keeping the date allowed the trade, officers and public to police out of date vehicles.

Roger Vivian requested that the age of vehicles to be licensed could change to under 12 years, rather than under seven years as it is currently.

Councillor Pretty noted his points and agreed the team would discuss it at their meeting with the Service Director, Neighbourhoods and Green Spaces before the next Licensed Transport Forum meeting.

Leigh Dodds raised concerns that taxis dropping off passengers with disabilities were being disadvantaged by the current parking and drop off restrictions at Southampton Airport, as they did not appear to qualify for the free 30 minutes.

Councillor Pretty confirmed that he had raised it with one of the directors at the airport, and he would follow up for a response.

Steve Lucas asked whether the team were any further forward with their contract negotiations as the trade were concerned that officers were under immense pressure.

The Licensing Manager stated that negotiations were still ongoing, but that he felt they were almost complete and he hoped to have a further update before the next meeting.

The Licensed Transport Forum recorded their thanks to the Licensing Team at Eastleigh Borough Council for their work on behalf of both Private Hire and Hackney Carriage drivers.

Councillor Irish thanked the Forum for their comments.

It was agreed the next meeting would take place on the 9 November 2023 in rooms 11/12/13 of Eastleigh House.