Consultation on private hire executive vehicles

Councillors yesterday (Wednesday 21 March 2012) agreed to consult on changes to Shropshire Council’s policy on executive private hire vehicles to take on board the views of people in the industry. 

The proposed changes aim to ensure that the signage for these vehicles fits with businesses’ overall executive work, and that the public can be reassured that the vehicles are regulated. 

Private hire vehicles, with the exception of executive style vehicles, are required to display an identifying plate and have council-issued signage on the side of the vehicle.  Executive vehicles are required to display a discreet executive plate. 

Shropshire Council’s Strategic Licensing Committee yesterday discussed the sections of the private hire policy on executive vehicles in response to operators asking for these to be reviewed.  In recent months four operators have made requests to display the discreet executive plate and no other signage, but have been unable to because the committee did not consider that the vehicles were an executive style. 

The committee has recognised that the current policy is ambiguous on the definition of an executive vehicle, and agreed to look to clarify this after listening to operators’ views that it would be beneficial to their businesses.

Councillors yesterday agreed to consult on amending the policy as follows: 

“Vehicles that offer an executive service (defined as provision for business to business contracts and/or other special journeys requested by companies or private clients where they specifically request a vehicle OF prestige specification at the time of booking) AND are not used for traditional local private hire work will be permitted to display an executive hire plate and be exempt from displaying council issued signage.  In order to qualify for an executive plate, operators would be expected to produce six months of booking records to show that the work undertaken fulfils the criteria.  New businesses, that can reasonably show through their service objectives and marketing activities that they intend to operate solely as an executive hire service, will be given an executive plate for 6 months, but will then be required to provide the required proof through submission of booking information.” 

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for licensing, said:

“It is appreciated that there are different types of private hire business, and that for some vehicles it may not be appropriate to display signage on the side of a vehicle. 

“The proposal still requires a plate to be displayed, which is important for public safety but also puts forward changes to support these businesses.  If the proposals are agreed, any operator who can produce booking records to show they provide a vehicle or exclusive business to business contracts and not traditional local private hire work can display a discreet plate.” 

Councillor Rosanna Taylor-Smith, chair of the licensing committee, added:

“We always advise people to stay safe by checking if a taxi or private hire vehicle is licensed before getting in.  We ask people to look out for the Shropshire Council licence plate on the vehicle, or the driver’s identity badge.  Licensed vehicles are regularly tested, must meet minimum standards, and will have appropriate insurance cover. 

“During consultation we want to hear people’s views on whether they feel the proposed changes are the best way forward in ensuring we both protect the public and encourage a vibrant executive private hire industry in Shropshire.” 

Local driver Andrew Rhodes, of Travel by Rhodes, said:

“Up until now, under Shropshire Council, it has not been possible to have private hire vehicles licensed in any other way than the standard licence.  Also, with the new rules for signage, all private hire vehicles would be made to look the same. 

“At least now the council recognises that not all private hire firms are the same, and those that are not ‘traditional local taxi firms’, who are offering more of a chauffeur-type executive service, will be able to licence their vehicles accordingly and carry different licence plates.” 

The consultation will take place over the next two weeks.  People can share their views by emailing licensing@shropshire.gov.uk, writing to Licensing, Public Protection and Enforcement, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6ND or calling 0345 678 9026. 

The responses to the consultation will be considered by Shropshire Council’s Cabinet.