Agenda item

The Senior Licensing Officer outlined a report and requested that the Committee consider and comment on a Dress Code for Private Hire and Hackney Carriage drivers.

The Officer highlighted that the appearance and dress of licensed drivers could create a lasting impression on visitors and the local fare paying public in general.  It was important for drivers to portray a professional image which was good for business and good for the image of the Borough.

The Committee noted that the Council currently had only one condition in place which stated that drivers should be clean and respectable in their dress and person and behave in a civil and orderly manner.

The Authority did not wish to impose standards through licensing conditions but expected that a level of standard be maintained by drivers at all times. Therefore a suggested dress code had been compiled as set out in the report and consultation had taken place with the Slough Private Hire Drivers Association and the Slough Taxi Federation in August, 2016, who broadly supported the proposals.  It was highlighted that comments were received regarding the type of footwear that should be worn and faith or religious clothing.

Members were reminded that a balance must be struck between achieving an appropriate image whilst representing the Borough and not impacting on an

individual’s freedom to wear clothes that were not too prescriptive.

The Committee considered the suggested Dress Guidance and Members expressed a number of differing views regarding what was deemed to be suitable footwear and clothing.  It was decided that the proposes Dress Code would not be adopted at this time and that a statement be inserted into the ‘Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Drivers Charter’, to request that Drivers adopt a professional image at all times.

Resolved-   That the following statement be inserted into the proposed ‘Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Drivers Charter’.

“Guidance on Dress for Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Drivers 

The Authority is committed to encouraging the professional  image of the Private Hire and Hackney Carriage trade and it considers that drivers should conform to a minimum standard of dress, as set out below, in order to raise and maintain the profile of the licensed trade.  Whilst the Authority does not wish to impose such standards by way of conditions to any licence, it expects however, that such standards will be maintained at all times.

Drivers shall pay particular attention to their personal hygiene and dress so as to dress appropriately and present a professional image to the public”.