Agenda item

7.1

The Committee received a report of the Chief Licensing Officer outlining the enforcement activity undertaken in relation to private hire and taxi licensing for the period 1^st Mach to 31^st August, 2012. 

7.2

In attendance were two representatives from the Sheffield Taxi Trades Association (STTA).

7.3

Several problems were discussed, such as the lack of places for taxis to rank in the city centre, and the subsequent problems this caused. There were particular problems noted around Castle Street and Carver Street. There seemed to be a few selfish drivers ruining it for the majority.

7.4

It was noted that the Chair of the Licensing Committee would be undertaking some shadowing work on enforcement duties in January 2013 with Licensing Officers.

7.5

Members were concerned about the time and cost effectiveness of taxi enforcement work undertaken at East Midlands Airport.

7.6

It was noted that many decisions made by the Licensing Sub-Committee with regard to the issuing of taxi licences had been overturned by the Magistrates Court, and it was agreed that further joint training was required with Magistrates and Members to ensure that a clear direction was taken with regard to the suitability of taxi drivers in Sheffield.

7.7

Members were concerned that since the Licensing Service had been internally restructured, there was less taxi enforcement taking place. Members wished there to be at least one dedicated taxi enforcement session per week, with external enforcement activities to be reduced.

7.8

RESOLVED: That (a) the contents of the report now submitted and the comments now made be noted; and

(b) the Chief Licensing Officer be requested to ensure that at least one dedicated taxi enforcement session is carried out per week, with requests to attend specific enforcement exercises, such as airports, being considered on a case by case basis and to ensure that any attendance at these locations has no detrimental effect on the delivery of local enforcement.