The Executive Director for Communities and People had submitted a report to consider a delay to the introduction of new emission standards for Hackney Carriage Vehicles licensed by this Authority.

Recommendations: That the General Purposes Licensing Committee resolves to:

1.     Consider the request made by City of Oxford Licenced Taxicab Association to delay the introduction of ultra-low emission standards for Hackney Carriage Vehicles licensed by this Authority;

2.     Consider the results of a public consultation and statements submitted;

3.     Consider the contents of this report and options set out in it;

4.     Agree any amendments to the current emission standards for Hackney Carriage Vehicles licensed by this Authority; and

5.     Agree that any such amendments be recommended to Council for adoption.

Cllr Humberstone left the meeting having declared an interest on this item.

The General Purposes Licensing Committee considered a report from the Executive Director for Communities and People to delay the introduction of new emission standards for Hackney Carriage Vehicles licensed by this Authority.

Joshua Curnow, Supervising Senior Licensing Officer, reminded the Committee that it had approved the roadmap for emissions standards in January 2019, highlighting the next stages of the roadmap including the requirement for all new and renewal Hackney Carriage Vehicle applications to meet the ultra-low emission vehicles standard beginning 1 January 2025. The Committee was asked to consider options set out in the report which had been included in the agenda pack and circulated prior to the meeting.

The Licensing Officer informed the Committee that COLTA had submitted a request for an adjournment following the publication of the agenda and explained that Mr Sajad Khan, Secretary of COLTA, was in attendance to present this request before the Committee.

Mr Khan addressed the Committee and clarified that COLTA had decided to retract its request for an adjournment. In the absence of questions for the Licensing Officer, the Chair invited Mr Khan to speak.

Mr Khan provided an overview of the challenges faced by the taxi trade in Oxford, highlighting the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic between March 2020 and July 2021, and the cost of living crisis that followed where drivers expressed difficulties in sustaining their livelihoods. He further highlighted the substantial impacts of the recent industrial action and the implementation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, stating that the lessened sources of fares due to train strikes, prolonged routes and increased fares all had resulted in the challenges that the drivers currently faced.

Mr Khan also raised concerns regarding Oxford Direct Service' (ODS) inability to provide services for Low Emission Vehicles or carry out warranty work for electric cars which forced drivers to seek services outside of Oxford, impacting the affordability of electric taxis. It was emphasised that the taxi trade did not contribute significantly to carbon emissions compared to other sectors.

In response to questions from members of the Committee, Mr Khan provided the following points:

• A second-hand electric vehicles scheme was introduced which offered drivers £5,000 grant including waiving of licensing application and MOT fees. Approximately 20 drivers took part in the scheme. It was pointed out that whilst some drivers opted for brand-new vehicles simply due to personal preference and financial capability, the majority of the trade were not afforded this option.
• Oxford had a Hackney Carriage limit of 107 vehicles. Some proprietorships that were in 2019 had changed through private transfers which were often within families.
• COLTA had met with Clipper Cab regarding a technology which converted diesel vehicles to zero-emission products however these vehicles offered limited electric mileage that were not suitable for the trade.

Mr Khan further elaborated on the issue relating to the unavailability of LEVC qualified mechanics at ODS, explaining that when electric vehicles fail its compliance test, they would immediately be removed from commission until repairs were undertaken. Mr Khan further stated that LEVC vehicles could only be repaired by LEVC approved mechanics, prompting drivers to seek repairs outside of Oxford, resulting in longer wait time and temporary loss of income for affected drivers. Despite discussions with ODS, no definitive resolution had been reached.

The Licensing Officer and Mr Khan answered final questions from the Committee.

Having discussed with the relevant Cabinet Member prior to this meeting, the Chair wished to put on record that the Council's current rate of progression in electric vehicle uptake exceeded 30%.

The Committee acknowledged the challenges voiced in the representations made at this meeting.  The Committee reflected on the reasons that led to the introduction of the policy in 2019 and recognised the pressing issues of climate change and the general health and well-being of the city.

The Committee thanked Mr Khan and members of COLTA for their valuable contributions.

Councillor Lois Muddiman, on being seconded by Councillor Mark Lygo, proposed to delay the requirement for all Taxis to be ULEV by January 2026, and put to the vote.

The General Purposes Licensing Committee resolved to:

1. Request that the Chair of the General Purposes Licensing Committee calls on the Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies on behalf of the Committee:
   1. Urging the provisions of services and mechanic staffing required to carry out maintenance and service work for low emission and/or electric vehicles;
   2. Delegate the Licensing Officers to deliver a report setting out key actions undertaken for update at the Committee's next meeting.
2. Request that the Chair of the General Purposes Licensing Committee calls on the Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Partnerships on behalf of the Committee to:
   1. Incorporate in the City Centre Action Plan (CCAP) a systematic dissemination of effective city-wide messaging to educate the public on useful taxi information (such as distinctions between Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles) and thereby bolstering support for the trade;
   2. Request a report from Licensing Officers setting out key actions undertaken for update at the Committee's next meeting.
3. Agree to delay the introduction of ultra-low emission standards for Hackney Carriage Vehicles licensed by this Authority by:

·       Delaying the requirement for all Taxis to be ULEV by one year (January 2026)

4. Agree the amendments be recommended to Council for adoption.

Cllr Humbestone re-joined the meeting.