Issue - meetings

Officer Contact: Christine Allison, Licensing Manager, Tel. 01223 457899

Matter for Decision:

 

A key action for Environmental Services for 2010/2011 is to consider introducing a ‘taxi’ licensing fee related to CO₂ emissions.

 

This report proposes that the current fee structure for licensed vehicles is revised by introducing a sliding scale which relates to carbon emission levels of vehicles.

 

If proprietors of licensed vehicles are encouraged to contribute towards an improvement in air quality by running lower emission licensed vehicles and this policy is implemented successfully then when licensees replace their current vehicles they may choose to purchase ones in a lower emissions band. Therefore, if the current fleet of 500 vehicles all moved up one emission band, then based on vehicles traveling an estimated 50,000 km per year, we would save 10g x 500 x 50,000 = 250,000,000 g or 250,000 kg CO₂ annually. To put this into context, in 2005 the average carbon footprint for a Cambridge City resident was estimated to be 6.2 metric tons and so any significant reduction in taxi emissions would offset this figure.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Environmental and Waste Services:

 

Agreed:

 

1. The principle of amending the current fee structure by creating a fee banding system based on vehicle carbon dioxide emission levels and to request that following consultation with the taxi trade the October Licensing Committee sets the new Licensing fees. The new fees would then be advertised and implemented by January 2011

 

2. To instruct officers to consult with the ‘taxi’ trade and the public on the suggested measures 

 

3. To recommend to Licensing committee that they consider retaining an upper age limit for licensed vehicles to ensure that emissions of the air pollutants, Nitrogen Dioxide and Particulate Matter are lowered with time

 

 

Reason for the Decision:

 

Para 39 continues ‘Local licensing authorities, in discussion with those responsible for environmental health issues, will wish to consider how far their vehicle licensing policies can and should support any local environmental policies that the local authority may have adopted. This will be of particular importance in designated Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs), Local authorities may, for example, wish to consider setting vehicle emissions standards for taxis and PHVs. However, local authorities would need to carefully and thoroughly assess the impact of introducing such a policy; for example, the effect on the supply of taxis and PHVs in the area would be an important consideration in deciding the standards, if any, to be set. They should also bear in mind the need to ensure that the benefits of any policies outweigh the costs (in whatever form)’.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected:

 

As detailed in the report.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

 

The Head of Environmental Services introduced the report. Cllr Herbert echoed the points raised by the two public speakers and asked what progress had been made in discussions with South Cambs. The officer responded, confirming that neighbouring authorities do have different standards. Work is on-going to harmonise standards. The introduction of the policy is to influence drivers choice of vehicle in future.

 

The committee was minded to agree with the representatives of the trade the Executive Councillor should look seriously at not imposing the new charges on existing vehicles.

 

The following issues were raised:

·        Concerns that City registered vehicles will be disadvantaged financially.

·        Why are taxis being targeted when buses are bigger pollutants?

·        Love Cambridge consultations suggested that there are too many taxis and therefore reducing numbers would have a greater impact.

·        Could the upper age limit be relaxed for well maintained vehicles?

 

Cllr Newbold proposed the following amendment:

 

The Executive Councillor meets with taxi driver representatives and other stakeholders for discussions to develop, in a fair manner, a system of charging in relation to emission plus other methods to limit pollution which will include harmonisation with South Cambridgeshire, measures directed at buses, rank space and a possible moratorium in taxi numbers.

 

The amendment was lost by a vote of 3 to 6.

 

The Executive Councillor noted the issues raised and will meet with representatives of the trade to ensure their concerns are heard.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the recommendations by a vote of 6 to 3.

 

The Executive Councillor for Environmental and Waste Services approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

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