Agenda item

Points raised

Discussion

1.

Business Case

Members mentioned that the Business Case referred to on page 9 was missing and would like to see this.

2.

Clarity over minimum height of a passenger

Page 8 states “the advice from the manufacturer is that anyone below the height of 165cm would not be allowed to travel on this vehicle” Page 82: Current policy states minimum height of passenger is 1.35m. Members would like this to be looked into and clarified.

3.

Possible age restriction

Members discussed the possibility of an age restriction of no under 16s and a discussion ensued. The Licensing & Compliance Officer mentioned that the passenger would need to touch the foot plate and therefore would exclude a lot of younger people.

4.

Speed

Licensing & Compliance Officer stated that the vehicle can reach a speed of 93 miles per hour the same as a car with the experience of driving outside. Members discussed the possibility of a limiter and whether this was needed with the speed limits on the road.

5.

Protective clothing/helmets

Members were concerned that in the information provided it was not necessary for passengers to wear crash helmets. The Licensing & Compliance Officer said that it was not needed however it was recommended to wear crash helmets with protective clothing. The crash helmets would have a radio installed to have communication with the driver. Members were concerned about whether a range of appropriate sizing of protective clothing would be available to passengers and how the clothing would be cleaned for personal hygiene reasons.

6.

Weddings

Exempt from Private Hire Licensing.

7.

Members to see vehicle

Licensing & Compliance Officer mentioned that it could be arranged for the Members to see the vehicle. Members thought this would be a useful thing to do.

8.

Equality

Members discussed equality and accessibility issues in relation to the trike and how this would relate to the policy. The Licensing & Compliance Officer explained that the Trikes would not be for general Private Hire use but for tours and that there would be a talk and criteria to follow for passengers whom wished to travel in the vehicle.

9.

Height of the vehicle and adverse weather conditions

Members were concerned about the height of the vehicle and whether this would be visible to other vehicles on the road and how the vehicle would be in the rain. Members suggested the possibility of attaching a flag to the vehicle to increase visibility and whether the trike would need its lights on.

10.

Buddy for a lone travelling passenger

Members queried page 86 in relation to the Buddy and the DBS would be checked and monitored by the Local Authority.

11.

Appendix B

Members were happy with the contents of Appendix B except need to change wording of 2a from “3 years from date of application” to “3 years old from date of application”. Members noted that basic conditions would be covered by insurance.

12.

Consultation process and turnaround time for Draft conditions.

A discussion was had about the consultation process. The Licensing and Compliance to check with Legal to clarify this. Members were eager to see the draft conditions before the next Scheduled Licensing and Regulatory Committee. Licensing and Compliance Officer to organise an ad hoc Licensing and Regulatory Committee.