Members will be asked to make any declarations of interest in respect of items on this agenda.

There were no declarations of interest in accordance with the code of conduct.

To receive reports on business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be brought forward for urgent consideration.

There were no items of Chair’s Urgent Business.

The Committee will be provided with the results of the judgement on appeal cases that went to Court.

There were no appeal cases for the Committee to be updated upon.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2018.

Agreed of the minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2018.

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that it (they) involve(s) the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph(s) 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Agreed that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

To confirm the confidential minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2018.

Agreed the confidential minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2018.

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on the application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage Driver Licence.

The committee:

1.    Considered the report from the Director of Public Health

2.    Heard from S.I

3.    Took in account the content of the report and all that was said by S.I

Agreed to grant S.I a Hackney Carriage driver’s licence subject to him first successfully completing the driving standards test, knowledge of Plymouth test and producing a medical certificate confirming he satisfies DVSDA Group 2 medical standards for fitness to drive. In addition he is required to successfully complete the VRQ in transporting passengers by taxi and private hire (or equivalent) within the first 12 months of being licensed. S.I  is also required to attend the Safeguarding course within the same period although it is requested that he attend the next available course

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on the application for the grant of a Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licence.

The committee:

1.    Considered the report from the Director of Public Health

2.    Heard from M.G

3.    Took the content of the report and all they heard from M.G into account

4.    Agreed to grant M.G a Private Hire Driver’s Licence subject to him first successfully completing the driving standards test and producing a medical certificate to confirming he satisfies DVSDA Group 2 medical standards for fitness to drive. The grant is subject to a condition that M.G successfully complete the VRQ in transporting passengers by taxi and private hire (or equivalent) within the first 12 months of being licensed unless M.G has already completed this course in which case he must produce the certificate confirming the same within the next 6 months

Committee agreed to act outside their policy and do not require M.G to complete the Knowledge of Plymouth test given the length of time he had previously been a licensed driver.

(Cllr Ken Foster left after this item)

(The Committee appointed Cllr Carson as Chair and Cllr Bridgeman as Vice Chair)

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on the application for the grant of a Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licence.

The committee:

1.    Considered the report from the Director of Public Health

2.    Heard from P.P

3.    Heard from Mr I and Mr M of Need-a-cab in support of P.P

4.    Took account of what was said by P.P, Mr I and Mr M

Agreed to grant P.P a Private Hire Driver’s licence subject to him first successfully completing the driving standards test, knowledge of Plymouth test and producing a medical certificate confirming he satisfies DVSDA Group 2 medical standards for fitness to drive. In addition he is required to successfully complete the VRQ in transporting passengers by taxi and private hire (or equivalent) within the first 12 months of being licensed. P.P is also required to attend the Safeguarding course within the same period although it is requested that he attend the next available course

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on the review status of a Private Hire Vehicle Driver Licence

The committee:

1.    Considered the report from the Director of Public Health

2.    Heard from F.U:

3.    Took the following into account and all that F.U said:

4.    Found that F.U’s driving record was a cause for concern. Of particular note was the fact that he contravened a red traffic light signal at a pedestrian crossing which raised serious concerns for public safety as there was a risk to life from this incident. F.U’s driving record demonstrated a standard of driving that was below that which was expected of a taxi driver. It was particularly concerning that he viewed points on his licence as an occupational hazard.

In addition to the above F.U’s had failed to report three traffic endorsements in accordance with his conditions of licence. In particular he had failed to report the 8 November 2017 endorsement despite having received a warning about failing to report in March 2017. The committee felt that this showed a reluctance to work with the licensing authority.

Agreed that in light of concerns about F.U’S driving record and failing to comply with conditions of licence, both of which were relevant to the Council’s Licensing objectives of safety and health of drivers and the public, the committee considered that it was proportionate to suspend F.U’s Private Hire Driver’s licence for a period of 21 consecutive days in accordance with Section 19(1)(b) of the Plymouth City Council Act 1975. In addition, F.U is required to re take his Driving Standards Test within 3 months. A certificate showing that he has passed this test must be produced within the same period, if the certificate is not produced F.U will be required to appear before the committee again.

(Please note:  there is a confidential part to this minute)

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on the review status of a Private Hire Driver Licence.

The committee:

1.    Considered the report from the Director of Public Health

2.    Heard from M.M(supported by Mr B ):

3.    Took into account all that was said by M.M:

Agreed that in light of the concerns about M.M’s driving standards and failing to comply with conditions of licence, both of which were relevant to the Council’s licensing objectives of safety and health of drivers and public and prevention of crime and disorder and protection of consumers it was proportionate to suspend bothM.M’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire driver’s licences for a total of 7 consecutive days in accordance with Section 19(1)(b) of the Plymouth City Council Act 1975.

(Cllr Bridgeman left after this item)

(Please note:  there is a confidential part to this minute)

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on the review status of a Hackney Carriage Driver Licence.

The committee:

1.    Considered the report from the Director of Public Health

2.    Heard from K.A that he denied all of the complaints made against him. In relation to one of the complaints he stated he wasn’t working on the date in question however he didn’t have the relevant information with him at the committee hearing to be able to substantiate this.

Agreed to adjourn the hearing until the next committee to give the opportunity to produce the relevant documentation.

(Cllr Mavin left after this item)

(Please note:  there is a confidential part to this minute)

The Director of Public Health will submit a report on the review status of a Hackney Carriage Driver Licence.

The committee:

1.    Considered the report from the Director of Public Health

2.    Heard from J.A:

3.    Took the following into account all that J.A said.

4.    Agreed that in light of the above concerns about lack of knowledge of and breach of the Hackney Carriage byelaws, both of which are relevant to the Council’s licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder and protecting consumers, it was considered proportionate to suspend J.A’s licence for 7 consecutive days in accordance with section 19(1)(b) of the Plymouth City Council Act 1975.

(Please note:  there is a confidential part to this minute)