Agenda and minutes

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Town Hall, Watford

Contact: Jodie Kloss/Alan Garside  Email: legalanddemocratic@watford.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

12.

Apologies for absence/ committee membership

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillors Connal, Laird and Mills.

 

The Chair extended best wishes to Councillor Mills, on behalf of the committee, who was presently in hospital following an accident.

 

13.

Disclosure of interests (if any)

Minutes:

There were no disclosures of interest.

 

14.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2017 to be submitted and signed.

 

Copies of the minutes of this meeting are usually available seven working days following the meeting.

 

(All minutes are available on the Council’s website.)

 

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2017 were submitted and signed.

 

15.

Discussion on use of magnetic door signs for hackney carriages pdf icon PDF 65 KB

Report of the Head of Community and Customer Services

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee received a report of the Head of Community and Customer Services.  The Chair reminded members of the role of the committee with regard to the recommendation in the report.  The Business Compliance Officer introduced the report – reading the document to the committee.

 

In response to questions from members, the Business Compliance Officer:

·        Informed the committee that he did not have crime data for the current year but the figures showed a rise in 2015/16 from previous years (and these rises could occur in spikes).  He would be able to supply the latest figures if necessary.  He advised that it should be possible to show the percentage of crimes against taxis compared to the overall figures for theft from motor vehicles offences - and whether increases against all types of vehicles were comparable to increases against taxis. 

·        Advised that the cost of a pair of door signs was £19.50.

·        Explained that a warning could be given in the first instance when door signs were not displayed – although the licence could also be suspended.  If steps were not then taken to display the sign the licence could be revoked; but this had not happened to date.

·        Clarified that the roof sign did not identify the vehicle as a Borough of Watford taxi – the signs were universal.  It would be problematical to incorporate a Watford design.  For example, it would be difficult for CCTV to pick out small lettering.  However, the Borough crest on the door signs was identifiable as relating to Watford.

·        Agreed to provide a break down of theft from motor vehicle offences by month to the committee.

·        Advised that it may be possible to consider a design feature to help ensure door signs remained affixed to vehicles; but there would be a need to take in to account the likely increased cost.

·        Explained that few surrounding districts required taxis to have liveries - and door signs were not a national requirement.  However, taking account of the disability issues, having the door signs was not necessarily inappropriate.

·        Informed the committee how the licensing service was able to assist the police in identifying vehicles.

 

          Members agreed that Councillor Dhindsa, although not a member of the committee, may make submissions and ask questions.

 

          In response to further questions from members, the Business Compliance Officer,

·        Informed the committee that the stealing of door signs, to be used on another vehicle to give the appearance of a taxi, had been considered when the signs had been introduced.  However, a vehicle would also need a roof sign and back plate to have the appearance of a bona-fide taxi.

·        Clarified that the most visible vehicle taxi sign during the hours of darkness was the lit roof sign.

 

The Chair confirmed that members had received the written submission from the Watford Hackney Carriage Drivers Association and invited Mr Ahmed to address the committee.

 

Mr Ahmed explained that the door signs presented a range of problems to drivers.  The signs suffered wear and tear  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

 

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