The Head of Housing and Regulatory Services introduced the report, which had been produced in response to public correspondence on the inability to pay taxi fares by card. Card payments were widely used during the Covid-19 lockdown period, and re-introducing the payment method would be beneficial in terms of safety and practicality for those who could not pay by cash. Card payments would be in addition to cash payments and would only apply to Hackney Carriage Vehicles as private hire vehicles could be pre-booked and paid for.

The Committee expressed support for consulting on the proposed policy change, as it was felt that having both cash and card payment options available would be a positive step.

RESOLVED: That:

1.  The consultation on the proposals regarding potential change to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing policy to require Hackney Carriage vehicles to offer card machine payments by the 1 February 2024 as an option, be agreed; and

2.  The consultation be for a six week period with direct engagement with the taxi trade.