Agenda item

The Committee received a report that updated on the proposals for low emission standards for existing hackney carriage and private hire vehicles in Slough and to seek approval that all new applicants meet the required emission standards from 1^st September 2018. 

The new standards were in line with legislation and with the Council’s draft Low Emissions Strategy which included the aim to reduce emissions from road transport to help improve air quality.  Pollution was already relatively high in Slough and the associated health risks were noted.  In relation to the policy for existing drivers, Members were reminded that the Committee had agreed on 17^th October 2017 that further engagement with the trade would take place before any new policy was approved and it was anticipated the Committee would consider proposals at the meeting in June 2018.  A breakdown of the age of vehicles had been requested and this was tabled at the meeting.

The Committee was asked to approve a proposal that all new vehicles to be licensed for the first time as a private hire vehicle by a new applicant for a private hire driver licence must be to a ULEV standard effective from 1^st September 2018.

Mr Aftab Khan representing the Slough Private Hire Driver Association had requested to address the Committee and the Chair invited him to speak.  The key points raised were as follows:

·  The principle of taking measures to improve air quality were supported.

·  However, requiring all vehicles to be under 3 years of age at the time of being licenced would increase costs and may be prohibitive to new drivers entering the trade.

·  That a proposal based on emissions rather than the age of vehicles would be a better system.

·  The approach being taken by Transport for London was highlighted.

The Licencing Officer responded that the priority was to improve public safety and it was noted that several areas of Slough already breached air quality limits.  Members agreed the importance of taking proactive measures to improve air quality for the benefit of the health and wellbeing of residents.  Members did recognise that vehicle emissions were the primary consideration and they requested that the policy regarding the criteria specifying that all vehicles be under 3 years of age be monitored.  It was agreed that action should be taken to introduce the policy for new drivers to begin to implement the new policy approach and secure the benefits as soon as possible.

The Committee also requested clarification on whether both private hire and/or hackney carriage drivers would be eligible to utilise the 4 plug-in electric vehicles and it was agreed this information would be provided.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Committee noted the update on the proposed introduction of emissions standards for existing drivers and agreed that the proposals for such standards for new drivers from 1^st September 2018 be approved as set out in paragraph 6 of the report.

Resolved –

(a)  That it be noted that the main proposals as previously discussed would be put back until 6th June 2018 to allow for further engagement with the hackney carriage and private hire trade bodies and their representatives.

(b)  That the report be noted.

(c)  That the proposals, as set out in Section 6 of the report, for all new applicants wishing to licence a private hire vehicle for the first time be approved.