Tuesday 21st March, 2023
All licensed taxis in the borough will have to be able to accept electronic payments in addition to cash. The details are set out in the report Electronic Payment Devices in Licensed Vehicles.
This proposed change will be discussed at the Licensing Committee Meeting at the Town Hall on 22nd March.
The report notes that electronic payments have become the norm for a large percentage of the population. It is considered that the requirement to have facilities to accept such payments should be included within the policy.
While many drivers and operators already make provision for electronic payments, there is disparity across the trade which is causing problems for some customers.
The report states that it also compromises the principle that the taxi at the head of the rank takes the next fare. Refusal of fares by the driver at the head of the rank because they are unable to take electronic payments is a source of complaint to the Council.
The Council considers the electronic payment facility to be part of the vehicle and, as such, it must be working at all times.
The report also proposes changes to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. The penalty point scheme will be reviewed.
It is suggested that the points for contravention of the requirement to have and operate an electronic payment device be reduced from the originally proposed 4 to 3 points. This brings them into line with those given for first offences for a variety of other matters.
The report claims that the Council is committed to keeping the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy under review to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.
The Licensing Committee is expected to recommend the changes to Full Council, who will have the authority to make this Council policy.
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