Decision details

To determine the age policy for licensed vehicles.

To aprove that:

i)          The entry age for licensed vehicles to be increased from five years to nine years, subject to vehicles meeting Euro 6 emissions standards as a minimum,

ii)         The renewal age for licensed vehicles to be increased from 11 years to 15 years,

iii)        The number of planned mid-term vehicle inspections for vehicles over the age of 11 to be increased from two to three (ie, every four months), and

iv)        The number of planned inspections for vehicles under the age of three to be reduced from two to one.

v)         Implementation as soon as reasonably practicable.

•              The cost of living crisis is having a significant impact on the taxi trade

•              A change in age policy is supported by consultation responses.

•              Change also justified in light of best practice guidance.

•              Change will help to retain licence holders and thus give the council the ability to set and maintain appropriate standards within the city

•              Safety concerns ameliorated by the requirement for an additional inspection for vehicles over the age of 11 years, plus unannounced spot checks.

•              Impact on capacity at the VTS ameliorated in part by reducing the number of inspections for vehicles under the age of three years.

•              Accompanying requirements for vehicles entering the licensing system to meet Euro 6 emissions standards will ensure air quality is not worsened.

·         Amend the age policy as recommended by the Licensing & Public Safety Committee

·         Amend the age policy to different levels than those recommended by the Committee, including no upper age limit

·         Retain the existing age policy

·         Remove the age policy completely