The Public Protection Committee of Cardiff Council today took the decision to impose a limit on the number of hackney carriage vehicle licences issued.
The Committee had previously been reluctant to place barriers in the way of individuals entering the trade and earning a living, and had allowed the number of hackney carriages to rise over recent years. However, drawing on their own knowledge and experience, as well as heeding the views of the taxi trade and South Wales Police, the Committee members agreed that there is a need to address the over-supply of taxis in the city.
Having carefully considered the matter, the Committee resolved to place a moratorium on the issue of licences until a survey had been undertaken to identify the level of demand for the services of hackney carriages in Cardiff. This would then provide evidence to assist the Council in taking a permanent decision. Once the Council has the independent consultants’ report the matter will be reconsidered.
Commenting on the decision, the Committee Chair, Councillor Ed Bridges, said: “We listened very carefully to the views of the trade and the police before making this decision and we are satisfied that the level of unmet demand for taxis in Cardiff is such that we can impose a temporary moratorium in the best interests of the city. We will look forward to seeing the results of the detailed, independent survey which is being carried out so we can have a full and meaningful discussion with the trade about the right number of taxis for Cardiff over the coming years. I would like to thank my colleagues on the committee and the members of the trade who made written representations for helping to move this debate forward.”
