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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: (a) That the private hire conditions be amended to include the proposed conditions (appendix A) specific to Tuk-tuks. (b) That the application for a Tuk-tuk to operate as a private hire for short sightseeing tours and celebratory occasions be granted.
An apology for absence was received from Councillors Abdul Khan and Thomas Montgomery.
In respect of Agenda Item 5i Councillor Harry Saville declared a personal and prejudicial interest in relation to policy matters, due to a family member’s connection, employment and interest in a private hire taxi operator based in Conwy County. As a result of a dispensation granted to Councillor Saville by the Standards Committee dated 30/11/2023, Councillor Saville was able to speak and take part in the debate, but left the meeting before any votes took place. Councillor Saville did not have an interest in relation to the application for a licence and was able to participate in the debate and vote on the matter.
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None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: (a) That the private hire conditions be amended to include the proposed conditions (appendix A) specific to Tuk-tuks. (b) That the application for a Tuk-tuk to operate as a private hire for short sightseeing tours and celebratory occasions be granted.
The Principal Trading Standards and Licensing Officer presented a report, which required Members to consider applying draft conditions (Appendix A of the report) of licence for Tuk-tuks operating as private hire vehicles for short sightseeing tours and celebratory occasions. Members were also required to determine an application for a Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence for Tuk-tuks and to consider whether, in light of the information presented, the applicant was a fit and proper person to hold a granted licence. The Principal Trading Standards and Licensing Officer made reference to the following: • Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the definition of a private hire vehicle. • Conwy County Borough Council’s Private Hire Licence Vehicle Conditions, with the operator’s vehicle and drivers all being licensed within Conwy County. • Proposed conditions recommended in Appendix A of the report. • A description of the proposed vehicle, together with the proposed operation/pre-booked tours and proposed routes. • It was the responsibility of the driver to adhere to the private hire licensing conditions. The applicant, who was in attendance at the meeting, was afforded the opportunity to address the Committee and reaffirmed their intention, proposed route and times of operation. Members were afforded the opportunity to question the applicant and discussion arose regarding the following: • A Member of the Committee expressed concern, that the vehicle was capable of 65 kph and should therefore be limited (mechanically or otherwise). In response, the Principal Trading Standards and Licensing Officer advised that Tuk-tuks would have the same restrictions as any other private hire vehicle and that it was the responsibility of the driver to act in a fit and proper way. • The importance of adhering to the speed limits and Highway Code. • Noise pollution should music be played from within the Tuk-tuk. In response, the applicant confirmed that no music would be played as guided tours were the intention. • Driver experience as Tuk-tuks were renowned for being difficult to drive. The applicants confirmed that they would familiarise themselves with the vehicle, before taking passengers. Following the debate, the following amendment to the proposed conditions (which was seconded) was put forward. That condition F (Tuk-tuks must be limited to a speed of 30mph) be removed from the Private Hire Tuk-tuk Vehicle Conditions of Licence. Following the vote, the amendment to the proposal was lost. The majority of Members were supportive of the proposed policy conditions and following a vote, it was RESOLVED: (a) That the private hire conditions be amended to include the proposed conditions (appendix A) specific to Tuk-tuks. (b) That the application for a Tuk-tuk to operate as a private hire for short sightseeing tours and celebratory occasions be granted.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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