URL: https://democracy.runnymede.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=891

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee was asked to approve the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy for the period 2025 – 2030, following a 10 week consultation exercise.   Officers reported that only one response had been received; this was from Surrey Police’s Borough Commander and related to stealth or ‘ghost plates’ which had become an issue, generally, not specifically to the taxi trade.  Members were advised that stealth plates were 4d plates which had a retroreflective coating which rendered the plates fully or partially unreadable by infrared ANPR cameras.  This was clearly illegal under the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001.  The Committee was fully supportive of the proposed addition to the conditions regarding registration plates as set out in the report.   Officers agreed that in light of the expense of purchasing a special infrared camera to detect ghost plates, it would be sensible to consider a joint enforcement operation with regard to ‘ghost plates’ with a neighbouring authority who had purchased the appropriate technical equipment.   The Committee also approved an additional clause in the policy regarding ‘suitability guidance’ which had been published in October 2024 by the Institute of Licensing, to assist Licensing Authorities in their assessment of whether a driver or operator was ‘fit and proper’.  It was acknowledged that this was an interim step to have regard to the guidance, pending a full review of the ‘fit and proper’ section of the policy at a later date, as and when the guidance became statutory.   Officers were thanked for their comprehensive review of the policy and the Committee was pleased to approve it accordingly.   Resolved that –   the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy be approved

Date of Decision: January 8, 2025