MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

LICENSING COMMITTEE

19 JUNE 2014

REPORT OF HEAD OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Report prepared by Lorraine Neale    

1.           REVIEW OF TAXI RANK PROVISION

1.1        Issue for Noting

1.1.1   To advise Members of the progress arising from consultation of Hackney Carriage proprietors in respect of current taxi rank provision.

1.2        Recommendation of Head of Housing and Community Services

1.2.1   That Members note the responses received to date and agree that officers continue to produce draft proposals for wider consultation prior to updating rank provision.

1.3        Reasons for Recommendation

1.3.1

1.3.1                 In 2012 the Council commissioned a survey to study the use and
         demand on the Hackney Carriage service provided in the Maidstone
         Borough area. The survey report which was received in 2013 also
         highlighted a number of recommendations relating to the associated
         issues, one of which was the number of taxi ranks and their location in
         the Borough.

1.3.2

The Survey’s results made no recommendation regarding the provision
         of additional ranks in the Borough. However, it did recommend that    consideration be given to extending the bays available at the rank in
         the High Street as this was to be the location for a new rank suggested
         by most members of the public and drivers at that time.

1.3.1               

1.3.3  On 14/11/13 November 2013  Members resolved that a review would take  
         place as a     rresult of both the survey and difficulties with researching
         historic         ccreation of ranks to respond to a question from a PHV
         operator.

1.3.4  During the course of the survey it became apparent that the taxi rank         provision should be investigated thoroughly as the regeneration of the     town centre was affecting the historic rank provision and causing       confusion with the trade and public. An ideal opportunity to look at the     current needs for provision had been presented and it was felt that the       first step to take would be to ask the trade the following questions to         determine a start point in assessing what the current requirement is   and what it should be.

1.3.5 The letters (Appendix A) were sent out to all the Hackney carriage     proprietors on 25 April 2014 giving a response date of 16 May 2014. The responses received are attached as Appendix B. The proprietors appear to have a good knowledge of where the official ranks are.  It appears that they would like permanent bays at the bottom of the High Street and to swap the bays outside Lush with the disabled bays outside the NatWest Bank. There are also other suggestions for additional spaces.

1.3.6  The next step would be to approach and involve the necessary           Agencies/Partners in consulting on proposals and whether consent        would be given where required for any changes to provision.

1.4        Alternative Action and why not Recommended

1.4.1  We could do nothing but this is not considered to be the way

         forward to provide the most appropriate facilities for the service.

1.5        Impact on Corporate Objectives

1.5.1   A review of taxi rank provision in the Borough will have a positive

          impact on the economic vitality of the town by providing an update on         efficient and effective sitings of ranks for the use of members of

     the public and provide clarity for the Authority and the trade.

1.6       Risk Management  

1.6.1   Clear new creation of all ranks within the Borough will also reduce any risks associated with the need to evidence creation in any legal action related to them.


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1.7        Other Implications

1.7.2 Financial – the cost of undertaking the review may have some financial       implication in consultation and any subsequent  legal costs, publication         of notices and other matters such as Traffic Regulation Orders and        signage.

1.8        Relevant Documents

1.8.1   Appendices

1.8.2   Appendix A and B

1.8.3   Background Documents

previous report, consultation letters etc.none