Agenda item

The Chair varied the agenda order to allow consideration of Agenda Item 8 (Proposed Low Emission Standards) first given that there were a number of speakers in attendance for this item.

The Committee received a report updating them on the proposals for low emissions standards for saloon hackney carriage and private hire vehicles in Slough, as part of the Council’s draft Low Emissions Strategy (LES); and proposals for a new Vehicle Age Policy to support these proposals.

The Licensing Manager reminded Members that in October 2017 the Committee agreed that a consultation be conducted with the taxi and private hire trade prior to a decision being made on low emissions standards. The revised Low Emission Standards and new proposed Vehicle Age Policy were subject to a full consultation with drivers and operators between 13^th April and 16^th May 2018. In addition, meetings were also held with the representatives of the Slough Private Hire Driver Association and Slough Taxi Federation to seek their views on the new proposals.

It was explained that the proposed new standards were in line with legislation and the Council’s draft LES, which was being developed to reduce emissions from road transport to help improve air quality. Details of the emission standards were outlined and it was noted that a compliance date of September 2019 would be introduced for all new licensing applications and  renewals of private hire and saloon hackney carriages. Members were reminded of the number of currently licensed vehicles that would be non-compliant with the revised proposals on a year by year basis as of 1^st September 2019. It was highlighted that there would be a significant impact on all current licensed vehicles in that as of the implementation date no current licensed vehicle would meet the revised proposals and all vehicles would have to be replaced at the date of renewal. Furthermore, any current licensed vehicle that was due to be replaced having reached the 9 year vehicle age policy would need to be replaced with a vehicle that met the revised proposals. 

It was noted that the trade had put forward alternative proposals as detailed in the appendices to the report. In summary, it was suggested that all current vehicles to run their term until 9 years of age and all new vehicles to be licensed from 1 September 2019 to comply with the proposed revised low emissions criterion. 

The Committee were informed that all wheelchair accessible vehicles and vehicles constructed or adapted to carry wheelchairs used for home to school transport would be subject to a separate consultation. It was anticipated that this would be conducted late June/July 2018.

The Licensing Manager also detailed the proposals for a new Vehicle Age Policy for all saloon hackney carriage and private hire vehicles.  It was recommended that the current policy of under 5 years to a maximum of 9 years be amended to under 3 years of age from date of first registration and be licensable up to a maximum of 12 years. 

Prior to the Committee receiving submissions by trade representatives, a Member proposed that recommendation (h)  - consultation on low emission standards for wheelchair accessible vehicles – be agreed prior to consideration of the other aspects of the report and Committee Members agreed. 

Mr Sarfaz Khan representing the Slough Taxi Federation and Mr Aftab Khan representing Slough Private Hire Driver Association had requested to address the Committee and were invited to speak. A number of points were raised including:

·  Although supported in principle measures being taken to improve air quality, it was felt that the trade were being unfairly penalised.

·  Vehicles would be replaced with ULEV alternatives in due course in accordance with the vehicle age policy.

·  The disproportionate financial impact on all drivers of having to replace their vehicles.

·  There wasn’t much trade in the town. 

·  It was clarified that the vehicle age policy of under 5 and a maximum of 9 years of age remain.

·  There was no infrastructure to facilitate the proposals that had been presented  - with only 6 rapid charging points across the Borough.

·  Implementation of electric vehicles from 2025 would ensure that there would be a greater range of affordable vehicles on the market for drivers to purchase.

A number of Committee Members raised concerns which ranged from affordability of electric vehicles and the financial hardship that would be caused to a significant number of members of the trade. Furthermore, the Council needed to explore other methods of contributing to improving air quality and that the onus should not solely lay with the taxi trade.

Whilst acknowledging the potential financial impact on a number of drivers, a couple of Members stated that changes had to be made if the targets set in the Council’s proposed Low Emissions Strategy were to be met.

A Member stated that prior to any changes in policy being implemented, the Council needed to ensure that adequate facilities were in place to support the all drivers with electric vehicles. 

Details regarding the costs of purchasing electric vehicles were discussed. Mr Whittles, from Low Emission Strategies Ltd, was in attendance at the meeting and informed the Committee that an electric vehicle could be purchased for approximately £19k. Although this was a substantial cost it as anticipated that as more types of these vehicles became available on the market, costs would reduce accordingly.

The Cabinet Member for Regulation and Consumer Protection sought clarification from the Licensing Manager as to whether the proposed suggestions from the trade, were fair and acceptable with regards to meeting the targets and obligations as set out under the Council’s Air Quality Action Plan. It was explained that the proposed emissions standards were already being applied to all new drivers and vehicles and it was envisaged that the Council would be compliant with national guidelines by 2025.

The Environmental Quality Team Manager, Mr Newman, informed the Committee that a meeting was due to be held with Electric Blue, suppliers of electric vehicles, and details including possible incentives for drivers in relation to ULEV vehicles, grants available, home charging, discounts offered, types of vehicle available on the market would be reported to the Cabinet Member for Regulation and Consumer Protection. Responding to the number of rapid electric charging points, it was noted that although there were currently seven in the Borough designated solely for use by the private hire and hackney carriage trade; the infrastructure would be improved in the coming years to cater for an increase in the number of electric vehicles. 

A Member queried as to what the costs were likely to be for the installation of electric charging points at residential properties. It was noted that although the anticipated cost was likely to be £300, Government initiatives were currently offering a 75% discount for charging at home. 

Officer’s recommendations as set out in the report were considered and it was

  Resolved –

a)  That details of the report be noted.

b)  That the responses to the consultation be noted.

c)  That the revised low emissions standards as set out below be approved:

Immediately following the vote on recommendation (c), a number of Members stated that they had not fully understood the implications of what the Committee had resolved and sought further clarification from the Licensing Manager. It was highlighted that the Committee had resolved to implement that from September 2019 all private hire trade and saloon hackney carriages be compliant with the new low emission standards. A number of Members raised concerns that implementation of the emission standards as agreed would cause a significant financial burden on existing drivers and that a phased implementation would be more preferable. The Senior Democratic Services Officer explained that in order to agree to this alternative approach, the Committee was required to rescind the decision it had just taken in relation to recommendation (c). The Committee therefore 

Resolved –

(d) To rescind the decision taken in relation to recommendation (C) as set out above. 

Following clarification from the Licensing Manager relating to the emissions standards and potential implications of for new and existing drivers it was 

Resolved –

(e)  That the revised low emissions standards, as set out below be approved:

(f)  That the Vehicle Age Policy of under 5 and a maximum of 9 years of age for all saloon hackney carriages and private hire vehicles not be rescinded.

(g)  That a consultation on Low Emissions Standards for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, and vehicles constructed or adapted to carry wheelchairs used for home to school transport, to be conducted. 

(The meeting adjourned at 8.06pm and re-convened at 8.16pm)