Agenda and minutes

Present

Apologies

Ben Thomson

Michael Bridge

Charles Oakes

Sham Raja

David Lawrie (NPHTA)

Peter Eccleston

Charlotte Morris

Lisa Rapport

Adam Bucior

Khalid Hussain

(Buried Drivers Association for the Hackneys)

Kirsty Wild (Magnum White Line)

Matthew Freckleton (noted as absent, Uber was represented)

Item No.

Topic

Action

1.

Welcome and Apologies

-          BT and MB discussed the apologies and absences for the meeting, noting the absence of representatives from the Buried Drivers Association, Magnum White Line, and Matthew Freckleton.

2.

Minutes & Actions of previous meetings

-          BT reviewed the minutes from the last meeting held on February 24th, and there were no comments or issues raised

3.

GMP update

PE provided an update on taxi-related incidents, including a few thefts, an attempted sexual assault, and other minor incidents. He emphasized the need for better communication and reporting of incidents involving taxi drivers.

Community Safety Partnership Funding

-          BT/MB explored funding streams through the Community Safety Partnership but found no available funding at the moment. They will continue to seek funding opportunities.

Break-ins in BL9 Area

-          SR raised concerns about break-ins in the BL9 area, specifically targeting taxis. PE requested crime numbers or dates to investigate further.

Bilking Incidents

-          DL expressed concerns about drivers not reporting bilking incidents due to a lack of confidence in the response. He emphasized the need to encourage drivers to report all incidents

Anti-Fraud Campaign

-          David mentioned that the anti-fraud team had been trying to contact Peter for a nationwide campaign and requested Peter to check his emails.

4.

Clean Air Update (10 Mins) BT

Update from TfGM Website – Clean Taxi Fund

-          BT provided an update on the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan, including funding for electric buses, expansion of the tram network, and the Clean Taxi Fund for Hackney Carriages. He emphasized the importance of applying for funding early when it opens (anticipated) November.

5.

Enforcement / Service Issues (15 min) MB

Parklife/Oasis Feedback

-          MB reported on the enforcement activities during the Parklife and Oasis events, including the presence of out-of-town vehicles and the need for improved signage.

Government Review – Transport Select Committee

-          BT and CM mentioned that submissions related to taxi licensing and the Baroness Casey report would be published on the Transport Select Committee's website, and that these submissions are considered public documents. The Councils submission will be available once published.

-          The trade were reminded to submit their submission directly to the Select Committee, even after the deadline, as it may still be considered. DL clarified that the trade's submission was shared with councils and MPs for reference.

-          Rules around press releases and sharing evidence submitted to the Transport Select Committee, noting that while press releases may have restrictions, sharing between stakeholders is generally acceptable.

Changes to DBS verification

-          MB explained the new rules for DBS verification, including the introduction of in-branch verification at the post office for drivers who fail the online process.

DBS Update  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.