Agenda item

We received a report regarding the consultation response to the Welsh Government White Paper – Improving Public Transport.

In doing so, the following points were noted:

·         Part 2 – Welsh Government White Paper – Improving Public Transport:  The following amendments would be required:

-       Question 29 – Currently, Police, DVSA and local Authority officers all have different powers.  Therefore, proposals to make the enforcement powers more consistent to benefit the trade would be more appropriate.

-       Question 34 – The third line within the response makes reference to option B.  This needs to be amended to refer to option A.

-       Question 36 – With regard to Welsh language, a note be added stating that in Monmouthshire, we already have dual language badges and plates on all of our vehicles, as well as having bilingual roof lights.

·         The White paper was considered to be narrow in its approach and does not encompass the changes in technology.

·         Members agreed with officers in that they could not support a National Licensing Authority and agreed with the comments, as outlined in Question 33. Members’ comments were noted and would be reported back to the National Group.

·         In a rural economy, buses are being subsidised but the services being provided are not always fit for purpose. A more flexible transport system is required.

·         It was considered that the taxi service is going to change, going forward. 

·         The White Paper does not address safeguarding issues if a system is introduced that collects passengers at various pick up points who then share a taxi.

·         The White Paper is considered to be out of date.

·         In response, it was noted that it would be simpler to have just a single tier system.

·         It was acknowledged that technology could be included.

·         On a national level, the UK Government has released separate consultation documents looking at reforming taxis in England and Wales.

·         Monmouthshire borders six counties, some of which are located within England. Therefore, the White Paper needs to run in tandem with its English counterpart. This has been referred to in the consultation response.

·         Concern was expressed that some specialist vehicles are being used for weddings which are often two door vehicles.  In response, it was noted that funeral and wedding vehicles are exempt under the current acts.  Some consistency around this issue would be beneficial, going forward.

·         It was noted that Welsh Government has dispatched the consultation document to the majority of taxi firms.  Monmouthshire County Council has also dispatched the document to all of its licensed drivers providing them with an opportunity to respond.

·         Enforcement should remain within the remit of the local Authority, as outlined in Question 28, particularly around safeguarding issues. Currently, when a safeguarding complaint is received that requires investigation, officers discuss with social services and local police and strategy meetings are held to ascertain the action required.

·         In response to a question raised regarding Welsh speaking, the Authority currently does not have any drivers that prefer to correspond in Welsh.  

·         On behalf of the Committee, the Chair commended officers for the work that has been undertaken and asked that the views expressed by the Committee be taken into account.

We resolved:

(i)            to note the information in respect of Welsh Government’s White Paper “Improving Public Transport”.

(ii)          to approve the consultation response, attached as Appendix A to the report, on behalf of Monmouthshire County Council in respect of Part 2 of the White Paper “taxis and private hire vehicles”.

(iii)         that the response submitted by Monmouthshire County Council replicates the response approved by the All Wales Licensing Expert Panel and incorporates the views expressed by the Licensing and Regulatory Committee.