Consultation - Taxi Ranks and Installation of meters in Hackney Carriages

This consultation concerns Hackney Carriage vehicles which are the taxis which can be hailed in the street or park and wait for a fare.  They can be identified by the sign on the roof which states ‘Taxi’.  It does not cover private hire vehicles which must be pre-booked.

Taxi Ranks.

The Council is considering the introduction of taxi ranks within the district. We would like to know whether you consider this is necessary and if so, we would like your suggestions as to where  ranks should be sited and at what times they should operate.

The purpose of taxi ranks is to help members of the public to have access to a safe, defined place to find taxis and for licensed drivers to have a place to stop to pick up passengers.

Setting Fares and Installation of a meter.

The Council is also considering prescribing the maximum rates that a Hackney Carriage driver can charge for a journey.  This would mean that every taxi would have to have a meter installed in the vehicle which would need to be inspected regularly on behalf of the Council.  The driver would have the discretion to charge a lesser sum.  We would like to know your views on these matters.

Replies

I would be grateful if you could take some time and complete this short questionnaire, any suggestions on these subjects would be welcome:

Downloadable questionnaire - pdf 10 KB

Please return the questionnaire to:

The Licensing Section

Civic Offices

High Street, Epping,

Essex CM16 4BZ

Alternatively you can reply by completing the questionnaire online on the Council’s website:

Closing date for replies 1^st February 2012.