MyEDC

    Technical Notes 2024, Issue 70 - Taxi and Private Hire Car Update

    • Report by:

      Karen M Donnelly, Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer

    • TN Number:

      070-24

    • Subject:

      Taxi and Private Hire Car Update

    • Responsible Officer:

      Andrew McLaughlin, Legal Manager (Depute Monitoring Officer)

    • Publication:

      This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.

    Section

    1. The purpose of this Technical Note is to update Members in relation to work being undertaken to increase the uptake of taxi operator licences in the East Dunbartonshire Area.
       
    2. Officers are launching a new campaign today aimed at increasing taxi operator licences.  The campaign extends the relaxation of the requirement that those wishing to apply for a taxi operator licence must have a suitable vehicle at the point of application.  Instead, details of a suitable vehicle must be provided prior to the granting of the licence after completion of other checks on the application.  The campaign also highlights that there will not be a requirement to have insurance in place at the point of application.  Suitable insurance can be provided once other checks have been provided and a suitable vehicle obtained – all before licences are issued.
       
    3. Promotional material has been created consisting of media release, a poster and a YouTube video.  These are attached for Members to view.  The campaign will run for eight weeks with a check after four weeks to assess engagement.  The media release will also be used as the basis for a social media campaign where the Council will tag its partners including the Chamber of Commerce and Business Gateway.  The poster will be placed in different local venues, such as the hubs, and will be accompanied by leaflets with the same design.  In week 4 the video will be published and will run for around ten days.
       
    4. Officers will also pass materials and links to the Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce which has agreed to provide support by advertising the Council’s campaign through its online presence, newsletter and networking.  
       
    5. It is understood that the costs of obtaining a vehicle and suitable insurance is a deterrent for applicants and there is always a risk that an application could be refused on other grounds after the applicant has incurred the costs of obtaining a vehicle and insurance.  In addition, any delay in determining the application (for whatever reason) could result in the applicant incurring costs for insurance without receiving the benefit of that insurance.  Accordingly, it is hoped the campaign will encourage applicants who may be deterred from applying due to significant upfront costs.