To consider the Minutes of meeting held on 8 June 2023.

RESOLVED –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 June 2023 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The Senior Licensing Officer presented the Action List (Agenda Item 3).

There was lengthy discussion around vehicle testing at nominated stations within the Borough, plate testing, and the restrictions on age of vehicles able to be plated and whether that should be raised.

Roger Vivian asked the Licensing Manager if he could ask the Disclosure and Barring Service if they could add a tick box to the form to enable people to sign up to the update service they provide.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that he would ask if adding a tick box was possible.

The Senior Licensing Officer gave an update to the Forum on the number of applications received, and enforcements carried out, from 8 June to 8 November 2023.

The Senior Licensing confirmed that overall mystery shopping results were good, but three warnings had been given to Hackney Carriage drivers as they had stated that their card machines were not working and asked for cash.

The Licensed Transport Forum was pleased to hear positive feedback from drivers completely safeguarding training.

There was further discussion around CCTV systems in vehicles,

The Licensed Transport Forum confirmed that their position in relation to CCTV in vehicles remained the same, and they did not feel they were needed at present.

The Licensing Manager stated that negotiations were still ongoing, but they were very aware they needed to start planning for the increase in renewals due next year.

It was confirmed with the reps that there were still issues with both Private Hire and Hackney Carriage drivers being charged for dropping passengers with disabilities at the airport, despite the passenger holding a blue badge.

The Chair informed the Forum that he would follow up with the Chair of the Accessibility Forum and the airport to see if he could facilitate a resolution before the next meeting.

Kevin May stated again that he felt that topography tests were now outdated and unnecessary due to technology available.

Steve Lucas queried whether there should be a consultation with Hackney Carriage drivers to find out their thoughts and opinions on topography tests and whether they were still needed.

The Licensing Manager added that if there was to be a consultation that it would also need to include Private Hire drivers, he reminded the Forum that a consultation is not a vote.

It was agreed that there would be further discussions on what was need with regards to topography tests.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 8 February 2024 at 10am in room 11/12/13 at Eastleigh House.

Steve Lucas requested that the Licensing Team add a reminder to the next communication they send out to Hackney Carriage drivers to remind them to carry a working card machine.

It was agreed that the Licensing Team would add the reminder, and that the Licensing Manager and Senior Licensing Officer would carry out further checks to ensure card machines were being carried and used in Hackney Carriage vehicles.

The Licensing Manager informed the Forum that the new bus lane in Portland Terrace would be in use from Monday 13 November 2023.

It was confirmed that Eastleigh Borough Council registered Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers would be eligible to use the lane during peak times.

It was agreed the next meeting would take place on Thursday 8 February 2024 in rooms 11/12/13 of Eastleigh House