Agenda item

(A)       In terms of Standing Order 10(1), the Committee received deputations from:-

(1)       Mr Mark Cullen who advised (a) that he had undertook a canvassing exercise of taxi driver opinion in person and also through two social media websites devoted to the trade in the city and it revealed that 100% were in favour of the current knowledge test being applied to all private hire drivers; (b) there were several hundred private hire drivers on the circuit who have not undertook any formal training or passed the Council’s street knowledge test; and (c) that the taxi driver trade universally welcomes this development and supports the recommendations of the report.

The Committee asked a number of questions of Mr Cullen.

(2)       The Committee then received a deputation from Mr Chris Douglas who advised (a) that taxi and private hire drivers were two completely different functions within the licensing regime that serve a wide range of functions within the hire and reward industry and if we start to treat them the same, we will start to create significant issues for business, drivers and the public alike; (b) that the present two tier licensing system works very well and is designed to allow an operator to carry out their business safely and legally within a framework that mutually benefits and safeguards both the public and the licence holder; (c) that the root cause of most of the problems that exist within the industry is the fact that the same knowledge test was applied to both taxi and private hire drivers which alienated a huge part of what should now be a very well established and evolved industry in the city but comparatively we are very much behind; (d) that the industry has a shocking reputation with the public, faith in our industry’s services is at an all-time low and people are desperate for other options; (e) that there is a need for a full transparent survey into unmet pre-booked demand in the city; and (f) that the way forward is to establish a test and framework that truly works in the city for the people and businesses of Aberdeen and not just for the market leaders who have continually lobbied to create a monopoly in the market place that benefits only them and a minority of drivers.

The Committee asked a number of questions of Mr Douglas.

(3)       The Committee then received a deputation from Mr Gavin Johnston who advised (a) that the Committee should defer consideration of imposing the knowledge test for private hire drivers until a proper survey is conducted which will take into consideration the people of Aberdeen and to undertake a consultation with Taxi and Private Hire Operators taking into consideration all modern reasons and technology used; (b) that since the Council abolished the test for private hire drivers, there has been a great improvement in the reliability of service provided to the public and the positive feedback from the people of Aberdeen; (c) that there has been no negative feedback on the service provided or complaints received from the public; (d) that the knowledge test for private hire drivers is no longer needed and the Council must listen to the needs of the public and the people of Aberdeen; (e) that, his company had invested heavily in technology that gives the customer what they want providing quotes to pay up front and also sending a picture of the driver and details of the car so the customer can track the car once it is booked; and (f) if a knowledge test is imposed by the Council, then it should only relate to emergency procedures or places such as hospitals, police stations, rail station, bus station, hotels etc.  and be easily accessed by new entrants.

The Committee asked a number of questions of Mr Johnston.

(4)       The Committee then received a deputation from Mr McColl, Aberdeen Taxi Centre, who advised (a) that there would be difficulties for drivers not tested if technology (satnav) was to fail; and (b) that if the test is adopted for everyone then there would be a consistency with the service provided by the trade, therefore providing a better experience for customers.

The Committee asked a number of questions of Mr McColl.

(B)       The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Corporate Governance which provided information in relation to Section 64 of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 which came into force on 1 November 2016.  The Act gave the Licensing Authority the ability to require applicants for a private hire car licence to take a knowledge test prior to the grant or renewal of the licence and to extend the current knowledge test to private hire drivers.

The report recommended:–

that the Committee –

(a)          approve the introduction of a knowledge test for private hire car drivers applicable to any application lodged on or after 1 November 2016; and

(b)          agree to extend the current knowledge test to private hire drivers.

Councillor Malone, seconded by the Convener moved:-

That the Committee approve recommendation (a) above and instruct officers to review the current street knowledge test for taxi and private hire drivers, consulting with both groups and report back to the Committee at its meeting on 18th April 2017.

Councillor Nicoll, seconded by Councillor Copland moved as an amendment:-

That the Committee (1) defer any decision to introduce a street knowledge test until the review of the current testing regime is reported to the Licensing Committee at its meeting on 18 April 2017; and (2) instruct officers to consult with representatives of the taxi trade and private hire sector to report back to the Committee at its meeting on 18 April 2017.

On a division, there voted:-  for the motion (8) – the Convener and Councillors Delaney, Graham, Macgregor, Malik, Malone, Milne and Finlayson; for the amendment (5) – Councillors Allan, Copland, Hutchison, Nicoll and Townson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.