Issue - meetings

To receive a report and to update members on progress made in respect of the recommendations within the TPI unmet demand survey report as received by the committee in October 2009.

The Head of Trading Standards and Licensing, introduced a report which gave an update on progress made in respect of the recommendations within the TPI Unmet Demand Survey report presented to the Committee in October 2009.

Recommendation 6 within the survey was for training for drivers in the care of disabled people.  A sufficient number of responses had now been received from drivers to create guidance which would be included as part of a guide to accessible taxis.  Officers were currently working with the Council’s training department to look at provision of training for taxi drivers and operators.

The Chairman invited John Yexley, the Chairman of Bracknell Licensed Taxi Forum, to speak to the meeting.  Mr Yexley reported that there were now 20 wheelchair accessible vehicles registered in Bracknell Forest and that the Forum did not condone drivers refusing to take a customer who was in a wheelchair. 

The Chairman thanked Mr Yexley and asked if there were any points of clarity on the question, but there were none. 

Arising from the subsequent discussion the following points were noted:

·                     Training for taxi drivers and operators in the care of disabled people could be run in conjunction with neighbouring authorities to reduce cost.

·                     There had been a number of actions in the TPI that had taken longer to complete than anticipated. It was likely that the report would be completed by October 2010.

·                     It was reported that taxi access through newly installed bus gates would be considered in the LTP3 which was currently out for consultation as clarity was needed on whether allowing use by taxis would be beneficial.  It was agreed that officers from the transport policy development section would be invited to attend a future meeting of the Committee to explain the issues fully.

RESOLVED:

1          That the progress made be noted;

2          That the decision to limit the number of hackney carriage licences whilst work was carried out in respect of the TPI recommendations be reaffirmed; and,

3          That a further report be presented to the next meeting.