Agenda item

Consultation on proposed taxi sharing arrangements for Farnborough International Airshow 2020

To consider the Head of Operational Services’ Report No. OS 2003 (copy attached) which outlines the proposals to implement a taxi-sharing scheme to run between designated points for the duration of the trade days of Farnborough International Airshow 2020 (FIA20) (20th-24th July, 2020).  The Committee will be asked, as a consultee to the process, to make comments and/or recommendations to the relevant portfolio holder on determination of any scheme.

Minutes:

The Committee considered the Head of Operational Services’ Report No. OS 2003, which outlined proposals for a taxi-sharing scheme to run between designated points for the duration of the trade days of Farnborough International Airshow 2020 (FIA20).

 

The Committee was informed that, following discussions with the taxi trade, requests from at least 10% of the taxi trade had been received for the Council to implement a taxi-sharing scheme for the duration of the trade days of the Airshow 2020 (20th – 24th July 2020) to be run on a similar basis to that operated during the 2018 Airshow, with an increase to the flat fare to £4.50 per person (previously £4.00), with a maximum of £18 for four passengers (previously £16).

 

It was noted that the proposed scheme had received provisional approval of Cabinet and was now out for public consultation until 1st March, 2020.  Given its role and responsibilities in other areas of taxi licensing work, the views of the Committee were being sought on the proposed scheme with any comments or recommendations to be reported to the Portfolio Holder for Operational Services, to whom determination of the scheme has been delegated in conjunction with the Head of Operational Services.

 

It was noted that the procedure to be followed in making a taxi-sharing scheme was laid down in the Taxis (Schemes for Hire at Separate Fares) Regulations, 1986.   These regulations required the authority to obtain the consent of the highway authority and/or the landowner in respect of any place that was not on the highway.  The authority was also required to consult the local Chief Constable of Police and local County Council, together with local taxi owners and/or their representatives.  It was also required to publish the proposed scheme and invite public representations and for such representations to be considered as may be appropriate before implementing its preferred arrangements. 

 

The taxi trade had requested that a scheme should be established for return journeys between the official Airshow rank and Farnborough mainline station and the Report set out the proposed arrangements in respect of authorised places for taxi ranks, signs on vehicles and authorised places, exclusive and shared compellability, fares and marshalling.

 

Members were advised that the Highways Authority and those with relevant land interests had confirmed their approval of the proposals.  However, to date, statutory consultees had not made any comments. 

 

It was felt that a taxi-share scheme offered the opportunity for a ‘win-win’ situation for taxi drivers, proprietors and passengers alike.  Such a scheme provided an opportunity to improve public transport options at reduced costs to the customer whilst permitting the taxi trade to benefit and widen its market at a time of peak demand.  The proposed scheme was relatively simple and straightforward and generally built upon and complemented the traffic arrangements used to accommodate the Airshow.

 

RESOLVED: That the Portfolio Holder for Operational Services be advised of the Committee’s support of the proposed taxi share scheme set out in the Head of Operational Services’ Report No. OS 2003.

Supporting documents: