Taxi and Private Hire Trade Forum - 3 June 2025

09:30 to 11:30 Tuesday 3rd June 2025, Conference Room 4, Civic Centre, Southampton

Chair is Cllr Matthew Bunday

The purpose of this forum is defined as:

• A two-way exchange of information, dialogue and discussion
• To hear views, comments and concerns of the trade
• To receive information, comments, and concerns of the Licensing Team, Members and the Council as a whole.
• Not a decision making forum
• Where matters of a particular concern and where appropriate, matters raised can be referred to the Licensing Committee where a formal decision can be made.

It should be borne in mind that consultation does not necessarily mean agreement with and that consultation meetings cannot be decision making meetings.

Cllr Bunday has also invited the following people to attend:

Ian Loynes - Spectrum
Wade Holmes - SCC Transport

Agenda

1. Introductions/Apologies. Chair

   Cllr Windle, Cllr Whitbread and Ian Hall gave apologies.

2. Transport Update. SCC

   • Station Update

     Work to raise the height of the roadway in the rank has been approved to allow wheelchair access to vehicles. Work will be coordinated with the trade. No other work is planned due to design constraints and material costs.

   • Rank Opposite Switch - The satellite rank currently activates at 10:00pm, but by then parking enforcement has usually ended for the day. We ask that the activation time be moved earlier so enforcement can be effective

     It is proposed that Above Bar be made taxis/cycles/authorised vehicles only. We will look into changing the timings for the rank to 1800 at this time.

   • High Street taxi rank (outside coriander) and Above Bar street taxi rank (opposite Switch night club) timing change

     Same as above, this will be explored with view to make time 1800.

3. Notes from Previous Meeting. Chair

   Nothing outstanding.

4. Licensing Update. Licensing

   • Staffing Update

     Russell Hawkins has been promoted into the role of Licensing Manager. Interviews to replace Russell’s post of Principal Licensing Officer are imminent. Then it is backfilling as recruitments look to be all internal. Licensing Apprentice role is in recruitment and should be appointed by end of June.

   • Trade Rep Elections Update

     Slightly delayed but nominations should be going out at the end of this week by email. Hard copy of nomination forms available from the office.

   • 2026 – 2031 Taxi Policy (age limits)

     Consultation now underway. Questionnaire or send an email to licensing.consultations@southampton.gov.uk

5. Table of Fares – Private Hire Operator Booking Fee. Licensing

   Russell explained a system whereby an extra charge can be added to the table of fares if the journey is booked and charged via a private hire operator. Doing this will mean that hackneys will be able to run on an app-based platform without the complications of the table of fares while in area. Russell asked the trade to consider this and feedback.

6. Persistent Compliance Failures - We suggest that any vehicle repeatedly failing compliance tests should be subject to more frequent inspections. While we defer to licensing on defining the timescale or frequency, we believe additional oversight is justified in such cases. SHPHA

   Discussed and thought of as the bases of a good idea but Licensing need to be fully staffed to achieve looking at this or extra staff costs.

7. Wheelchair Access Demonstration - At the time of renewal for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, we propose that the driver be asked to demonstrate the correct and safe use of the ramp system. This would ensure both vehicle suitability and driver competence. SHPHA

   Resources are an issue but Russell will look into if Adams Morey can check the ramps at inspection and Licensing Officers will look at ramps more frequently but cannot commit to examining them on renewal because of the time requirements of this at the time of plating.

8. Corporate Colour Policy - We would like to retain the corporate colour of white for taxi licensed vehicles. This helps maintain a consistent and recognisable image for the city's taxi fleet. SHPHA

   Noted by all. Committee stated there are no plans to change this.

9. Illegally Parked Vehicles on Taxi Ranks - Illegally parked private vehicles continue to be a problem on city ranks. We request more frequent enforcement and patrols, particularly in known trouble spots. SHPHA

   This was largely dealt with in the transport section by changes top above bar street and timings of ranks.

10. Docks Speed Cameras - While we have included this in our docks meeting agenda, we wish to highlight our ongoing concerns here as well, particularly regarding how enforcement is applied and whether licensing is informed of violations. SHPHA

    Agreed that this matter is best addressed by ABP.

11. Boundary Charge & Metering - We propose that the boundary charge system be removed and replaced by a progressive meter system instead, which would be fairer and more transparent for both drivers and passengers. SHPHA

    There is no boundary charge imposed by the council. Current table of fares is progressive but all at the beginning.

12. Could we have prominent stickers on the glass on shelters, stating “HACKNEY CARRIAGE TAXIS ON THIS RANK”, “TAKE CARD PAYMENTS”, “PLEASE WAIT ELSEWHERE IF YOU HAVE PRE- BOOKED A VEHICLE”. This is being done with a rank full of taxis and when questioned people say they didn’t realise or that UBER are cheaper. UNITE

    Russell will explore additional signage on the shelters but would likely stop short of stating for hackneys only. Licensing only have control over the notice boards in the shelters.

13. Licensing guide to drivers when riders cancel trip during the journey on Private Hire vehicles. GMB

    Matter discussed. Licensing will support drivers who find themselves in these situations. Was noted that cameras were good in these instances and continuing the journey with cash payment was also discussed.

The following with be answered after the meeting by written response

None

Trade Invitees

• AE – Abdiwali ELMI (STA)
• IH – Ian HALL (SHPHA)
• AH – Ali HAYDOR (GMB Union Rep)
• LJ – Luke JUAN (Uber)
• PM – Perry MCMILLAN (UNITE Union Rep)
• JR – Jamilur RAHMAN (Elected Private Hire Trade Rep)
• AS – Ajmal SUDAN (SHO)
• AS – Anwar SUMRA (Elected Hackney Rep)

• SHO – Southampton Hackney Organisation
• SHPHA – Southampton Hackney and Private Hire Association
• STA – Southampton Taxi Association