Issue - meetings

The Chairman welcomed the report and commented that Haywards Heath Town Council has an Environmental Working Group with a remit to reduce pollution from vehicle emissions.

Jon Bryant, Licensing Officer introduced the report which advised the Licensing Committee with the options available to encourage the use of low emission and electric vehicles as licensed vehicles.  The report considered the proposed implementation of incentives to support the uptake of Ultra-Low and Zero Emission vehicles within the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle fleet.  He noted that air quality in Mid Sussex is generally good and the Government has a long term vision for zero emissions from all new cars and vans by 2040. The Licensing Officer advised that there are three types of zero/low emission vehicles, electric vehicles have a range of up to 150 miles before requiring a recharge, fuel cell vehicles typically have a range to 300 miles and Hybrid / E-REV vehicles with a conventional engine to either act as an additional fuel source or to charge the battery.  He noted the recent policy changes for Mid Sussex Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, including the 10 year maximum age and white livery and the lack of publicly available charging points.  He highlighted the consultation by West Sussex County Council on a new parking policy to introduce charging point requirement. 

Members discussed each of the suggested policies and Tom Clark, Head of Regulatory Services confirmed that it was unlawful to set licence fees based on the emissions of a vehicle. 

The Cabinet Member for Service Delivery noted that a masterplan for electric charging points across Mid Sussex was under way and suitable locations for charging points which were being sought might be on private land, i.e. Railway Stations.  He noted that there are six charging points located in Council car parks in the three towns and the locations of additional charging points needed to be carefully considered to ensure adequate lighting and the ability to connect to the power supply. 

A number of Members expressed concern introducing a new policy before determining the success of other Low Emission Taxi Incentive Schemes e.g.  Southampton City Council and Eastleigh Borough Council.  They queried how it would work as vehicles only queued at the rank for a short period of time and were constantly moving.   They commented that a change in policy should not be rushed as the technology for zero and low emission cars was still evolving.

A Member showed concern over the additional costs to licence holders of installation of charging points at their homes following the recent policy changes on age and colour of licenced vehicles.  He noted that these policy changes had increased public safety.  He queried if the issue of additional licences could be restricted to disability vehicles only to increase the number in the fleet.  

A number of Members commented that the trade association would need to be consulted before any policy changes and as there was currently no unmet demand the licence holders might  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6