(a)

the Council adopted its first Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy in 2008 which set out the licensing framework required to regulate hackney carriage and private hire services;

(b)

the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy was framed by virtue of the powers granted to the Council by Town and Police Clauses Act 1847, the Plymouth City Council Act 1985 and the Plymouth City Council Act 1987;

(c)

the draft Taxi Policy and associated documents were published on the website between 3 October and 27 November 2017; drivers, vehicle proprietors and operators were all invited participate in the consultation.

(d)

whether a communication would be sent to all GPs to ensure they were fully aware of the requirements for issuing a lifetime medical exemption;

(e)

whether officers would continue to have reasonable discretion in implementing the policy;

(f)

clarification on whether a Council livery would be introduced for hackney carriage vehicles;

(g)

whether drivers were able to access manual handling courses on  a regular basis (for the loading and unloading of wheelchairs);

(h)

concerns regarding the use of e-cigarettes or similar devices by drivers within the vehicles at any time.

(1)

to adopt the new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy (attached at Appendix A);

(2)

to adopt the conditions and guidance (attached at Appendix B);

(3)

to delegate to the Taxi Licensing Committee the authority to review and where necessary amend the conditions and guidance documents;

(4)

that in order to maintain a pleasant environment for all passengers, the use of e-cigarettes or similar devices within the vehicle is prohibited at any time; 

(5)

to provide regular training on the lifting and securing of wheelchairs for drivers.