Agenda and draft minutes

Present:

Ben Thomson (BT) – Head of Public Protection – Chair

Michael Bridge (MB) – License Unit Manager

David Lawrie (DL) – Director of the National Private Hire Taxi Association

Muhammad Warriach (MW) – Private Hire Drivers Association Bury

Adil (A) – Private Hire Drivers Association Bury

PC Peter Eccleston (PE) – GMP Bury District Licensing Officer

Sham Raja (SR) – National Private Hire & Taxi Association

Khalid Hussain (KH) – Bury Hackney Association

Cllr. Gavin McGill (GM) – Chair of Licensing and Safety Committee

Kirsty Wild (KW) – Magnum Whiteline

Cllr. Morris (EM) – Cabinet Member responsible for Licensing

Charles Oakes (CO) – The Hackney Driver Assoc. Ltd

Minutes:Maureen Foden (MF)

1.

Welcome & Apologies

Habib Ur-Rehman, Mathew Freckleton

2.

Minutes & Actions of previous meeting 30.01.24 & Matters Arising

The minutes from the previous meeting were agreed as a true record.

Attendees were requested to share with members the following reporting link for any issues with Wolverhampton licensed vehicles/drivers. Wolverhampton Licensing Service will then be responsible for investigation and action.

The group were asked to share this link widely within their own organisations.

https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/licences/taxi-licences/taxi-complaints

It was noted that Bury can act if drivers from other areas are committing an offence and confirmed they would review evidence submitted to Licensing.

It was reported that Private Hire drivers are plying for hire. Attendees were therefore asked to provide evidence through the Licensing email address and confirmation was provided that Bury Licensing Officers will include during night / weekends working.

3.

GMP Update

PE reported that there had been an increase of incidents over the Christmas period. There were no serious cases however there are a four that are still under investigation, and one was closed due to the driver refusing to give a statement.

There have been a number of occasions where advice has been given on the new standards as drivers are still trying to familiarise themselves with them.

Concerns were raised by attendees regarding drivers from Wolverhampton who are driving unsafely. PE is trying to arrange an operation to target and monitor Wolverhampton drivers and their behaviours including working with Wolverhampton Licensing Officer(s).

It was noted that there was no evidence available to rumours regarding Wolverhampton were going to issue licenses from drivers with international driving licenses.

It was also alleged that Private Hire from both Wolverhampton and Bury are ranking up unlawfully on a regular basis and out of town drivers are parking up on disabled bays. Trade reps were asked that if they have any concerns over driving safety or illegal parking to report it through the following link / email.

Email: carparking@bury.gov.uk

Telephone Number: 0161 253 5353

A discussion took place regarding the distinction between local conditions and offences that are committed and the relevant enforcement responsibility.  It was emphasised that drivers need to make sure that incidents are being reported to enable triage and review by licensing within resource constraints and appropriate enforcement bodies.

PE advised that when he is out in town, he will be on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.