Agenda item

Report of the Group Director for Services

The Group Director of Services submitted a report (previously circulated) to provide Members with an update on taxi provision (including wheelchair accessible vehicles) within Darlington.

The submitted report stated that Covid had impacted on many sectors of the economy, especially the hospitality sector, upon which Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles, drivers and operators were heavily reliant. It was reported that during the Covid pandemic taxi drivers had sought other opportunities, and that following the relaxation of Covid-19 regulations the country was faced with a shortage of professional drivers and that the taxi trade had been slow to recover. 

The submitted report informed Members that the current economic situation had also significantly increased operating costs and that the recruitment of new drivers remained extremely challenging. The submitted report outlined the background to the taxi trade in Darlington, and highlighted the current issues and measures being taken both locally and nationally to assist the taxi trade and address the problems.

Discussion ensued on the fares charged in Darlington, with Members noting that fares in Darlington were the highest in the Tees Valley, and sixth highest in the North-East, for a two-mile journey, and enquired why Darlington’s fares appeared expensive. Members were keen to establish whether there would be an increase in Private Hire Licenses during the lead in to Christmas, and were informed that whilst existing drivers may do more hours, it was not anticipated that there would be an increase in applications.

Members sought more information in relation to the incentives provided to assist with the costs of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV), and the scope for further incentivisation.

Members entered into discussion on the differences in the fares charged in relation to Private Hire Vehicles and Hackney Carriages, and requested further information as regard the number of registered taxi buses within the Darlington fleet.

Focus shifted to the measures and controls in place to ensure that drivers sanctioned in one area were prohibited from obtaining a licence in another area and the subsequent loss of local control, and the blockages which were leading to delays in the licensing of drivers, such as DBS checks and Group 2 Medicals. Discussion also took place on Uber, it’s operating model, and whether larger authorities could be doing more to protect workers rights and raise standards.

The Committee were also interested to know whether the incidents of drink driving had risen as a consequence of there being a lack of drivers.

RESOLVED – That the current challenges within the taxi trade be noted.