Decision details
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE LICENCE APPLICATION - Mercedes-Benz V-Class - Registration Number KP24 PWV
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Decisions:
The Director of Law and Corporate Services reported upon an application received to license a Mercedes-Benz V-Class, registration number KP24 PWV, as a Private Hire Vehicle outside the current criteria which states that the front windscreen must allow at least 75% of light through, the front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through and the windows rear of the B-pillar must allow a minimum light transmission of 30%.
The report also included a request by the proprietor of the vehicle to be granted an exemption from the legal requirement to display Private Hire Vehicle Licence Plates and the conditions relating to displaying door signs on this vehicle.
The current criteria that vehicles must comply with before being granted a Private Hire Vehicle Licence states that: The front windscreen must allow at least 75% of light through, the front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through and the windows rear of the B-pillar must allow a minimum light transmission of 30%. It is also a legal requirement that when a Private Hire Vehicle Licence is granted the Council must issue a plate or a disc identifying that vehicle as a Private Hire Vehicle.
It was reported that should the application be granted it would be necessary for the vehicle to be examined at one of the Council’s authorised testing stations in order for it to receive a valid MOT and Compliance certificate.
The proprietor of the vehicle attended the meeting with the vehicle which was inspected by Members. The proprietor of the vehicle explained that they currently provided an executive travel service and that the application had been made as they had a new vehicle to be licensed.
Resolved –
(1) That the application to license a Mercedes-Benz V-Class, registration number KP24 PWV as a Private Hire Vehicle, outside the current criteria which states that the front windscreen must allow at least 75% of light through, the front side windows must allow at least 70% of light through and the windows rear of the B-pillar must allow a minimum light transmission of 30% be granted with the following conditions:
· All bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
· Payment for all bookings must be requested through an invoicing system.
· The operator must communicate with customers for each booking taken, by text or email, with the following information:
- Private Hire Driver name
- Private Hire Driver photograph
- Private Hire Driver badge number
- Private Hire Vehicle registration number
For the avoidance of doubt, the above conditions also apply in respect of drivers and vehicles undertaking work for bookings subcontracted to other private hire companies.
(2) That the application to exempt the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, registration number KP24 PWV from displaying Private Hire Vehicle Licence Plates and from displaying door signs which provide details of the Private Hire Operator be granted.
(3) That officers be given delegated authority to grant a Private Hire Vehicle Licence should the applicant wish to change their vehicle in the future to operate the same executive travel service under the above conditions subject to the vehicle being inspected by a Licensing Officer.
Publication date: 05/12/2024
Date of decision: 08/11/2024
Decided at meeting: 08/11/2024 - Licensing Panel
Accompanying Documents: