When a hackney carriage or private hire
vehicle is licensed, checks are ordinarily made by officers in
respect of the operation of the top light; condition of body work,
and interior; presence of fire extinguisher; first aid kit,
etc.
Additionally a meter test is undertaken to ensure that the
taximeter is calibrated effectively, and there is no risk of
over-charging members of the public.
In light of the impact of Covid-19, it is not proposed to enter
vehicles at this time to undertake these checks or complete a meter
test (which entails an accompanied drive over a measured half
mile), and therefore a derogation from the current procedure and
Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
2016 is proposed as follows:
Officers will ask for photographs to evidence vehicle condition
inside and out; presence of meter; top light (on and off);
fire-extinguisher; and first aid kit.
Plates will be sent out in the post.
No meter test will be undertaken, and meters will remain
unsealed.
NOTE: The plate on a vehicle deemed of paramount importance in
terms of public confidence and enforcement of the licensing regime,
and as such the above derogation is only proposed in circumstances
where vehicle plates can continue to be made up by Customer
Services/Licensing staff.
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 20/05/2020
Decision due: 1 Apr 2020 by Chief Executive
Contact: Ken Miles, Chief Executive Email: ken.miles@northdevon.gov.uk.