Agenda item

Members were reminded that a report was considered by the Licensing Committee in February 2011detailing the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in relation to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers and Vehicles. It was noted that these duties now placed on all drivers of designated wheelchair accessible vehicles being either a taxi or a private hire vehicle which is placed on the Council’s list of designated vehicles and that the Council had a duty to maintain a list of all such designated vehicles. It was brought to Members attention that it was also a criminal offence for drivers of designated vehicles to refuse to carry passengers in wheelchairs, or to fail to provide them with appropriate assistance, or to charge them extra.

The Licensing Manager informed the Committee that the Secretary of State had advised that local authorities put in place transitional arrangements and procedures to ensure full implementation of the requirements of the Act by 1^st October 2017. The Committee were informed that the Licensing Team would discuss with the individuals concerned as to what information would be made available on the website. Guidance issued to local authorities outlined the information to be included on the Designated Lists, including details of the make and model of the vehicle, specifying whether the vehicle is a taxi or private hire vehicle and state the name of the operator.

Resolved – That details of the report be noted.