AGENDA NO.

DELEGATED

REPORT TOLICENSINGCOMMITTEE

DATE: 25 APRIL 2006

REPORT OF HEAD OF COMMUNITY PROTECTION

HACKNEY CARRIAGE TABLE OF FARES – APPLICATION FOR INCREASE

SUMMARY

The purpose of this report is for Members to consider a request for variations to the existing table of fares.

RECOMMENDATION

That Members consider the requests.

DETAIL

1.Under the provisions of Section 65 of The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 the District Council has power to fix maximum fares for hackney carriages.

2.The current table of fares, a copy of which is attached at Appendix 1, was agreed at your meeting held on 17 August 2004.

3.A copy of Minute 403, which refers is attached at Appendix 2.

4.A request has been received from Stockton Driver’s Association requesting consideration be given to a proposed increase in the tariff. A copy of their letter is attached at Appendix 3.

5.The Association feel it would be a better idea to extend the times when tariff 2 can be charged rather than request a blanket increase in the mileage rate. They are proposing that tariff 2 commence at 23.00 hours instead of midnight and that it continue up until 7.00 am and not 6.00 am, before returning back to tariff 1.

6.A newsletter was sent to all taxi drivers and proprietors asking for their comments on these proposals, and one letter from Mr Dixon suggesting a further amendment to the original proposal was received. A copy of the letter is attached at Appendix 4.

7.Members are reminded that under the provisions of Section 65 The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 any further variation in the table of fares has to be advertised in the local press and a period of 14 days allowed for any objection to be made.

8.Representatives from Stockton Driver’s Association and Mr Dixon have been invited to attend the meeting.

Head of Community Protection

Contact Officer: Michael Vaines

Telephone No. and Email Address: 526578 Licensing

Financial Implications: There will be advertising costs of approximately £800-£1000

Environmental Implications:None

Community Safety Implications:None

Background Papers:Letters from Stockton Driver’s Association and

Mr Dixon.

Trade Times Newsletter

Ward(s) and Ward Councillors:: Not ward related.

Appendix 1


Hackney Carriage Maximum Table of Fares
September 2004 /

Tariff 1

Standard Fares (except for such periods as fall within Tariff 2 and Tariff 3)
£2.00First Half Mile or Part
10pEach following 160 yards or part /

Tariff 2

Fares between 12 Midnight – 6.00am and all day on statutory Bank Holidays (except for such periods as fall within Tariff 3)
£2.50First Half Mile or Part
15pEach following 160 yards or part /

Tariff 3

Fares between 6.00pm – 12 Midnight Christmas/New Years Eve
All day Christmas/Boxing/New Years Day and between 12 Midnight Boxing/New Years Day and 6.00am the following day
£3.00First Half Mile or Part
20pEach following 160 yards or part

Extras

£30.00Soiling Charge
10p Each period of 30 seconds or part, waiting time
50p Each additional passenger over four (excluding infants under 3 years, two children under 10 years count as one person)
20pLuggage stored in boot or designated area (excluding wheelchairs or any other apparatus used to assist persons with a disability) /

Note

The meter should not record any fare when you enter the vehicle. The driver will then switch the meter on and it must correspond with the fares tabled above
For further information please contact:
Trading Standards & Licensing Service
Stockton on Tees Borough Council
16 Church Road, Stockton on Tees TS18 1XD
Telephone: (01642) 393939

Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Appendix 4