Issue - meetings

Report of the Service Manager, Licensing seeking a decision whether to retain, amend or abandon the cap on the number of hackney carriage licences.

The Committee considered the report of the Service Manager, Licensing seeking a decision on whether to retain, amend or abandon the cap on the number of hackney carriage licences.

In attendance were Phil Bates, Service Manager Licensing, Mr Hall and Mr Johnson who, with consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:

To continue to restrict the number of licensed hackney carriages to 283.

The Committee noted that observations, surveys and public views had indicated there was no significant unmet demand. It noted some pressure as expected at peak times, such as when cruise ships were in Southampton, and that most existing licenced hackney carriages were on the road.

The Committee encouraged all licensed drivers to note the comments from the public contained in the survey.

The Committee received legal advice that issues concerning the livelihoods of existing licensed drivers could not be taken into account when making this decision.