Agenda and minutes

Resolved:- That the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Board held on 16th February, 2011 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chairman.

The Board considered a report by the Licensing Manager proposing the introduction of a new inspection criteria and licensed vehicle specifications for vehicles licensed for either hackney carriage or private hire purposes.

In order to introduce an effective, consistent and transparent approach to licensed vehicle standards and specifications in Rotherham, it was proposed that a set of documentation was published that outlined :-

-          The standards applicable to all licensed vehicles, including the criteria to be considered during a vehicle inspection to establish a vehicle met the required visual and mechanical conditions for licensing by Rotherham Licensing Authority

-          The specifications that licensed vehicles must meet in order to be considered appropriate as a licensed vehicle by Rotherham Licensing Authority (including requirements in relation to the Equalities Act 2011)

-          The Licensing Authority documentation relevant to vehicle inspection process

The draft licensed vehicle inspection and specification manual, based on best practice guidance, was submitted.

Discussion and a question and answer session ensued focusing on the proposed requirements regarding the number of vehicle doors.

Resolved:- (1) That the vehicle specification and inspection process with regard to  Rotherham licensed vehicles, as now submitted, be approved.

(2) That officers be authorised to commence a period of appropriate consultation on the proposals.

(3) That a further report be submitted to this Board as soon as reasonably practicable following the completion of the consultation process, with a view to approving the introduction of the vehicle inspection guidance and specification manuals.

The following item is likely to be considered in the absence of the Press and Public as being exempt under the Police Act 1997 and Paragraphs 3 and 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (business affairs and prevention of crime)

Resolved:- That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the Police Act 1997 and Paragraphs 3 and 7 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (business affairs and prevention of crime).

The Board considered a report by the Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services relating to the hackney carriage/private hire driver’s licence held by Mr. A.K.

Resolved:- That the licence held by Mr. A.K. be revoked.

The Board considered reports by the Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services relating to applications for the grant of hackney carriage/private hire drivers’ licences from Messrs. J.H.R.,  Q.M.Y., M.H.S., N.C.A. and A.A.

Messrs. J.H.R., Q.M.Y., M.H.S., N.C.A. and A.A. attended the meeting and were interviewed by the Board.

Resolved:- (1) That Mr. J.H.R. be granted a licence for a period of twelve months, subject to the satisfactory completion of the local knowledge test, Driving Standards Agency test and medical.

(2) That Mr. N.C.A. be granted a licence for a period of three years, subject to the satisfactory completion of the Driving Standards Agency test and medical.

(3) That the applications from Messrs. Q.M.Y., M.H.S. ad A.A. be refused.