The Director of Law and Corporate Services reported upon an application received to consider whether to license a BMW 7 Series, registration AE22 NXF, as a Private Hire Vehicle outside of the criteria for licensing Private Hire Vehicles as the proprietor had 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. There had originally been a request to an exemption to the policy in that the vehicle’s windows did not comply with the minimum light transmission set out in the Council’s Policy, but after inspection they were considered to be compliant.

The proprietor of the vehicle attended the meeting with the vehicle which was inspected by Members.

The proprietor of the vehicle had provided a business plan to Members of the Panel which was outlined at the meeting confirming that he wished to provide an executive travel service.

Resolved: That exemptions be granted from the requirements to display Private Hire Vehicle Licence Plates and door signs on the vehicle, subject to the following conditions being applied to the Private Hire Vehicle Licence and Private Hire Operator Licence:

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.