Licensing and Registration Panel

Tuesday 11 December 2001 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Councillors Calvert, McCormick, Morrison (D), Nimmo and Rebecchi.

Chair:  Councillor Morrison (D) presided.

In attendance:  Mr G Douglas (for Director of Legal & Support Services).

Apologies: Councillors McGraw and Morrison (M).

The following paragraphs are submitted for information only, having been dealt with under the powers delegated to the Panel.

1078

Disability Discrimination Act 1995 - Consultation by Scottish Executive - Carrying of Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs in Taxis Regulations

1078

There was submitted a report by the Director of Legal & Support Services on a consultation paper issued by the Scottish Executive inviting comments on proposed Regulations which would place a duty on licensed taxi drivers to carry guide and hearing dogs (and other assistance dogs) accompanying people with disabilities and to do so without charge.

Decided: 

(1)   that the Regulations come into effect or otherwise 3 months after taxi drivers have applied for an exemption to the proposal;

(2)   that taxi drivers who wish to apply for an exemption if they have a medical condition that is aggravated by contact with dogs pay for a medical examination to prove their allergy or phobia;

(3)   that drivers of private hire cars also be included in the Regulations; and

(4)   that the Scottish Executive be advised that the Council would anticipate the number of taxi drivers requiring exemptions to be low.

It was agreed in terms of Section 50(A)(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 as amended that the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that the business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 6 of Part I of Schedule 7(A) of the Act.

1079

Application for Taxi Driver’s Licence - Gary Horn

1079

There was submitted a report dated 27 November 2001 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on an application for a taxi driver’s licence by Gary Horn following a representation by the Chief Constable.  The Panel heard Chief Superintendent Gordon and Mr Horn. 

Decided: 

(1)  that the application be granted; and

(2)  that it be remitted to the Director of Legal & Support Services to write to taxi firms requesting that theqy check the validity of taxi drivers' licences.

1080

Application for Taxi Driver’s Licence - Thomas Joseph Campbell

1080

There was submitted a report dated 26 November 2001 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on an application for a taxi driver’s licence by Thomas Joseph Campbell following an objection by the Chief Constable that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold such a licence by virtue of his previous convictions.  The Panel heard Chief Superintendent Gordon,  Mr Sweeney (Agent for the applicant) and Mr Campbell.

Decided:  that the application be refused.

1081

Application for Taxi Driver’s Licence - James McCleary

1081

There was submitted a report dated 27 November 2001 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on an application for a taxi driver’s licence by James McCleary following an objection by the Chief Constable that the applicant was not a fit and proper person to hold such a licence by virtue of his previous convictions.  The Panel heard Chief Superintendent Gordon and Mr McCleary.

Decided:  that the application be refused.

1082

Application for Taxi Driver’s Licence - John Clark

1082

There was submitted a report dated 28 November 2001 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on an application for a taxi driver’s licence by John Clark advising that Mr Clark had failed to attend for a medical examination. 

Decided:  that the application be refused.

1083

Application for Taxi Driver’s Licence - Callum Doull

1083

There was submitted a report dated 28 November 2001 by the Director of Legal & Support Services on an application for a taxi driver’s licence by Callum Doull following a representation by the Chief Constable and the outcome of the medical examination of Mr Doull.

Decided:  that the application be refused.