Taxi and private hire vehicle operators/drivers are being invited to attend a newly-established forum to help drive forward improvements.
The first meeting of the East Dunbartonshire Taxi and Private Hire Forum - set up by the Council following engagement with the trade - is being held on Monday 2 March, from 6pm, in McGregor House, 10 Donaldson Crescent, Kirkintilloch G66 1XF.
The forum was requested during consultation on the modernisation of conditions and policies for taxi and private hire vehicle operators/drivers.
The aim is to provide a place for regular dialogue to take place - not just between the Council and the trade, but also involving other agencies such as Police Scotland.
The first meeting of the forum will include an update from the Council on the implementation of new conditions and policies, and changes being made to the licence application process.
It will also be an opportunity for drivers/operators to raise issues that may be of interest or concern to the Council and other licence holders.
Subsequent meetings of the forum will be held at other locations throughout East Dunbartonshire.
Joint Leader, Councillor Andrew Polson, said, "The new Taxi and Private Hire Forum is a direct result of consultation carried out on conditions and policies. I hope it proves useful for everyone involved and would encourage as many drivers and operators as possible to attend on 2 March."
Joint Leader, Councillor Vaughan Moody, added, "The forum is another way of working with members of the trade to ensure we drive forward together - addressing areas of shared concern, and helping to support the people and businesses who work to keep East Dunbartonshire moving."
If you are planning to attend the forum, please confirm your attendance by e-mailing civic.licensing@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
As well as modernising conditions and policies for taxi and private hire operator/driver licences, the Council also updated policies relating to vehicle and driver fitness. The changes were introduced on 1 October 2019 and will be fully in force on 1 April 2020.
Following discussions, there is a new application process for the granting and renewal of taxi/private hire and booking office licences, as well as applications for change of vehicles and registration. Completed application forms will only be accepted if delivered in person by the applicant to either:
- Kirkintilloch Community Hub, 2-4 West High Street, Kirkintilloch G66 1AD
- Bearsden Community Hub, 69 Drymen Road, Bearsden G61 3QT
- Bishopbriggs Community Hub, 170 Kirkintilloch Road, Bishopbriggs G64 2LX
- Lennoxtown Community Hub, 46 Main Street, Lennoxtown G66 7JJ.
Applicants will also need to pay the appropriate fee and proof of ID will be required, along with appropriate authority if the applicant is a company or partnership.
More details on the changes to the application process and the new forms can be found by visiting:
- www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/business/licensing-permits/taxi-or-private-hire-drivers
- www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/business/licensing-permits/taxi-or-private-hire-operators
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