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Members received and considered the Licensing and Election Manager's report which asked Members to consider requests for a hackney carriage fare increase and whether to approve in principle subject to the formal advertising process.
The Licensing and Elections Manager reported that a request had been received from a local taxi company, as a result of the letter, the proposal was sent to all current plate holders and drivers to enable them to have the opportunity to comment, make any observation or objection to the proposal.
It was advised that 86 responses were received in total with 51 being in favour of the proposal. Three further proposals were submitted during the consultation which had been included in the agenda pack.
Members received a summary of the requested increase proposals from Swift Enterprises who had originally submitted the requested increase together with those representatives who had submitted further proposals as part of the consultation process as follows :-
Mr Kevin Boyne - Swift Enterprises GY Ltd
Mr Roy Simmons - Taxi Association
Mr Rolan Kitchen - Ocean Cab Ltd
Mr Sean Morley - S Morley
Members discussed the proposals the following questions were raised :-
- Clarification around the waiting time - it was confirmed that as soon as the meter in the taxi was turned off then the waiting time would commence.
- Average journeys - it was confirmed that the average journey from Gorleston to Yarmouth was around 1.5 to 2 miles.
Concern was raised as to whether some of the meters currently in place would be able to cope with a couple of the proposed tariffs.
The Chairman commented that the original proposal from Swift should be considered for approval subject to an amendment to the night-time operating hours from 19:00pm to 22:00pm.
RESOLVED :
That the proposed fare increase be approved in principle with an amendment of the night-time tariff hours from 19:00 to 22:00 subject to results of formal advertising process.