The Director of Law and Corporate Services reported upon an application received to consider whether to license a Mercedes-Benz E Class, registration number OU69 RGO, as a Private Hire Vehicle outside of the criteria for licensing Private Hire Vehicles 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 proprietor had also requested an exemption from the legal requirement to display Private Hire Vehicle Licence Plates and the conditions relating to displaying door signs on the vehicle.

The proprietor attended the meeting with the vehicle which the Licensing Panel inspected. The proprietor of the vehicle explained that they currently provided an executive travel service and that the application had been made as they had had to purchase a new vehicle due to a major fault with the vehicle that they currently have licensed. The proprietor responded to questions from Members of the Panel.

Resolved – That a Private Hire Vehicle Licence 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.