Agenda and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

Resolved that the Minutes of the General Licensing Committee held on 14 February, 2020 be agreed as a correct record.

The Team Leader, Licensing, advised that a request, in principal, had been received from Miss Cherry Simmonds, Director of Operations, Driving Miss Daisy Ltd, to licence blue rear wheelchair accessible vehicles as private hire vehicles.

It was proposed that the vehicles would also display a white daisy on the front bonnet a white daisy on each front door, below the windows, details of the company and telephone number on both rear doors below the windows, white daisies on each rear panel and white daisies and signage on the rear of the vehicle.

The proposed vehicles and signage would therefore not comply with the Council’s existing licensing criteria in respect of the colour and the guidelines for advertising.

Members noted the legislation relating to the licensing of private hire vehicles, licensing of private hire vehicles, existing private hire vehicle conditions/criteria, issues for consideration/concerns and recommendations.

Members’ asked questions of the Officers who responded accordingly.

The Chief Executive, Driving Miss Daisy UK, provided an overview of the services provided by the company.  He detailed the values, reasons to use Driving Miss Daisy.

Members’ asked questions of the Chief Executive, Driving Miss Daisy UK, who responded accordingly.

Members received legal advice in closed session.

Resolved that the request, in principal, be refused.

Reason for Decision

Members felt that the introduction of a blue coloured vehicle for use as a private hire vehicle would potentially undermine and be detrimental to the existing, well established colour requirements that were introduced as a public safety measure and accepted by the trade.

The Committee was requested to exclude the public from the meeting during the consideration of the items of business identified in the recommendations to the report on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as set out in the exclusion paragraph of 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information)(Variation)(Wales) Order 2007, relevant to the item of business as set out in the report.

The Committee considered the Public Interest Test in deciding to exclude the public from the meeting for the items of business where the Public Interest Test was relevant, as set out in the report.

Resolved that the public be excluded for the following items of business.

(Closed Session)

The Team Leader, Licensing, detailed the background in respect of JAG.

JAG, accompanied by Mr J, Eastside Cabs, explained the circumstances relating to the incident, and answered Members’ questions.

Resolved that JAG’s application for the Grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence be Refused as JAG had not satisfied the Members he was a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

The Team Leader, Licensing, detailed the background in respect of SLLD.

SLLD explained the circumstances relating to the incident and answered Members’ questions.

Resolved that SLLD application for the Grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence be Granted.

The Team Leader, Licensing, advised that SLP had surrendered his badge and therefore the matter did not require consideration.

The Team Leader, Licensing, detailed the background in respect of SAT.

SAT explained the circumstances relating to the offences and answered Members’ questions.

Resolved that SAT’s request for renewal of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence be Refused as the SAT had not satisfied the members he was a fit and proper person to hold a licence.