Mtrs0003

COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR

TRANSPORTATION SUB-COMMITTEE

Minute of Meeting held in the Council Offices, Stornoway, on Friday 31 March 2000 at 10.00 am

PRESENT

Mr Norman A Macdonald (Chairman)

Mr Donald Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Roderick Morrison

Mr Donald Manford

APOLOGIES

Mr Malcolm J Graham

Mr Donald Maclean

Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

CONSTITUTION

Election of Chairman

1

The Administrator chaired the meeting and called for nominations for Chairman of the Sub-Committee.

It was agreed to appoint Mr Norman A Macdonald as Chairman of the Sub-Committee.

MINUTES

Transportation Sub-Committee

T01.02

2

The Minute of Meeting of 28 October 1999 was approved.

Consideration of Suspension of Taxi Driver's Licence and Taxi Operator's Licence

CH04.06.32

3

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning Mr A M who currently held Taxi Driver's Licence D201 and Taxi Operator's Licence T35 who had been convicted of contravention of the Road Traffic Act 1988 Section 5(1) (a).

The representative of the Director of Corporate Services was invited into the Meeting to present the case. The Administrator informed members that Mr A M had indicated that he would not be attending the Meeting. The representative of the Director of Corporate Services left the Meeting during consideration of the matter.

It was agreed that:

(1) taxi driver's licence (Ref No. D201) of Mr A M be suspended until 25 May 2000 on the grounds that:

(i) Mr A M was no longer a fit and proper person to hold the licence; and

(ii) Mr A M had contravened condition 17 of the licence;

(2) taxi operator licence (Ref No. T35) of Mr A M be suspended for a period of 6 months on the grounds that Mr A M was no longer a fit and proper person to hold the licence.

Consideration of Suspension of Taxi Driver's Licence

CH04.06.32

4

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning Mr N B who currently held taxi driver's licence (Ref No. D97). The Report indicated that Mr N B had been convicted of contravention of the Road Traffic Act 1988 Section 5 (1) (a).

The representative of the Director of Corporate Services and Mr N B were invited into the Meeting to present their cases and both parties and Members of the Sub-Committee were given an opportunity to ask questions. Following presentation of their cases Mr N B and the representative of the Director of Corporate Services left the meeting during consideration of the matter.

It was agreed that Taxi Driver Licence D97 held by Mr N B be suspended until 24 November 2001 on the grounds that Mr N B:

(i) was no longer a fit and proper person to hold the licence; and

(ii) had contravened condition 17 of the Licence.

Fares in Respect of Taxi Licensing and Private Hire Car Licensing

CH04.06.11

5*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the review of the current level of fares for taxi and private hire car licensing in the Western Isles. The present rate of fares had been in place since September 1997 and any increase would necessitate a change to meters which would then require to be tested. The Report indicated there was financial provision to allow the cost to be borne by the Comhairle.

It was agreed to recommend:

(1) approval of the advertisement of the Comhairle's intention to introduce the proposed rates of fares in respect of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, as detailed in the appendix to the Report, on 10 July 2000 subject to the terms of Section 17 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 being complied with;

(2) that the Comhairle bear the cost of testing meters should the fares be increased;

(3) that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to increase the fares as specified in the appendix to the Report if the result of consultation, in terms of the Act, shows a majority view that supported such increase; that the fares remain at their present level should the result of the said consultation show a majority view against any increase and that the whole matter be brought back before the Sub-Committee for final decision should no clear view result from the consultation.

Fees for Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing

CH04.06.12

6*

The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the review of fees in respect of taxi licensing and private hire car licensing. In order to improve the whole taxi licensing and private car hire licensing service in the Western Isles, including the introduction of knowledge tests and the continuation of spot checks on vehicles, the cost of which were borne by the Licensing Authority, the level of fees charged would require to be raised.

It was agreed to recommend that:

(1) the revised level of fees for taxi licensing and private car hire licensing as detailed in the appendix to the report be approved with effect from 10 July 2000 subject to further consultation on the proposed revised level of fees with interested parties;

(2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to exercise his discretion to grant and renew licences on an annual basis as appropriate in each individual case;

(3) following consultation on the proposed increase in fees, as detailed in the appendix to the Report, a further Report be brought back to the Sub-Committee detailing the results of the consultation to enable the Sub-Committee to consider and make a final decision on the level of fees for taxi and private hire car licensing.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Measures to Increase Driver Awareness

T09.03

7

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the proposed implementation of measures to increase driver awareness at East Street and North Street, Sandwick. Both East Street and North Street were presently governed by a 30 mph speed limit. Due to good visibility and a section of road adjacent to Sandwick Cemetery that was not built up vehicles tended to increase speed whilst still in the 30 mph zone.

It was agreed to provide increased signage and road markings in the East Street, North Street area of Sandwick to increase driver awareness with a view to reducing vehicle speed.

Request to extend 40 mph speed limit at Bayble School

T09.03

8

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request for an extension of the 40 mph speed limit at Garrabost, Isle of Lewis. The Report indicated that it would be appropriate to extend the 40 mph speed limit from the Junction of the A886 along Bayble to include the School frontage where the speed of vehicles could legally be 60mph at present.

It was agreed to approve the implementation of a 40 mph speed limit extension between the A866 Junction at Bayble School.

Request to implement a 30 mph speed limit at Leverburgh

T09.03

9

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request to implement a short section of 30 mph speed limit with the existing 40 mph speed limit at Leverburgh, Harris. The area in question covered the housing scheme at Dunmore Crescent, a School, Shop, Church and Post Office and the existing 40 mph limit would act as buffer zone prior to entry into the 30 mph zone.

It was agreed to approve the implementation of a 30 mph speed limit covering the length of the A859 at Leverburgh from Dunmore Crescent to the Post Office within the existing 40 mph speed limit.

Provision of Controlled Pedestrian Crossing at Creagorry

T09.03

10

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request to install a pelican crossing on the A865 at Greagorry, South Uist. The location was near the Co-op Supermarket and housing scheme at Princes Street and was a relatively busy area from a vehicular and pedestrian viewpoint. The Report indicated that it was, however, unlikely that traffic volumes were sufficient to justify a pelican crossing.

It was agreed that, in view of the initial assessment which was supported by the police that it was unlikely that a controlled crossing would be justified, a 30 mph zone within the existing 40 mph section be approved in order to improve driver awareness at Greagorry, South Uist.

Request to extend 40 mph Speed Limit on A866 at Aignish, Point

T09.03

11

The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request for an extension to the 40 mph speed limit on the A866 at the east end of the Braighe sea wall, Isle of Lewis.

It was agreed to approve the implementation of the 40 mph speed limit on the A866 at the Point end of the Braighe sea wall.

Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the safety improvements for Matheson Road/Church Street Junction which had failed to feature in the Capital Programme 2000 - 2003 be included for consideration under the Minor Roads Safety Improvements programme.

___

PRESENT	Mr Norman A Macdonald (Chairman)
	Mr Donald Macdonald (Vice-Chairman)
	Mr Roderick Morrison
	Mr Donald Manford

APOLOGIES	Mr Malcolm J Graham
	Mr Donald Maclean
	Mr Ronald J Mackinnon

		CONSTITUTION

Election of Chairman	1	The Administrator chaired the meeting and called for nominations for Chairman of the Sub-Committee. It was agreed to appoint Mr Norman A Macdonald as Chairman of the Sub-Committee.
		MINUTES
Transportation Sub-Committee T01.02	2	The Minute of Meeting of 28 October 1999 was approved.

Consideration of Suspension of Taxi Driver's Licence and Taxi Operator's Licence CH04.06.32	3	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning Mr A M who currently held Taxi Driver's Licence D201 and Taxi Operator's Licence T35 who had been convicted of contravention of the Road Traffic Act 1988 Section 5(1) (a). The representative of the Director of Corporate Services was invited into the Meeting to present the case. The Administrator informed members that Mr A M had indicated that he would not be attending the Meeting. The representative of the Director of Corporate Services left the Meeting during consideration of the matter.
		It was agreed that: (1) taxi driver's licence (Ref No. D201) of Mr A M be suspended until 25 May 2000 on the grounds that: (i) Mr A M was no longer a fit and proper person to hold the licence; and (ii) Mr A M had contravened condition 17 of the licence; (2) taxi operator licence (Ref No. T35) of Mr A M be suspended for a period of 6 months on the grounds that Mr A M was no longer a fit and proper person to hold the licence.
Consideration of Suspension of Taxi Driver's Licence CH04.06.32	4	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning Mr N B who currently held taxi driver's licence (Ref No. D97). The Report indicated that Mr N B had been convicted of contravention of the Road Traffic Act 1988 Section 5 (1) (a). The representative of the Director of Corporate Services and Mr N B were invited into the Meeting to present their cases and both parties and Members of the Sub-Committee were given an opportunity to ask questions. Following presentation of their cases Mr N B and the representative of the Director of Corporate Services left the meeting during consideration of the matter.
		It was agreed that Taxi Driver Licence D97 held by Mr N B be suspended until 24 November 2001 on the grounds that Mr N B: (i) was no longer a fit and proper person to hold the licence; and (ii) had contravened condition 17 of the Licence.
Fares in Respect of Taxi Licensing and Private Hire Car Licensing CH04.06.11	5*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the review of the current level of fares for taxi and private hire car licensing in the Western Isles. The present rate of fares had been in place since September 1997 and any increase would necessitate a change to meters which would then require to be tested. The Report indicated there was financial provision to allow the cost to be borne by the Comhairle.
		It was agreed to recommend: (1) approval of the advertisement of the Comhairle's intention to introduce the proposed rates of fares in respect of Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing, as detailed in the appendix to the Report, on 10 July 2000 subject to the terms of Section 17 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 being complied with; (2) that the Comhairle bear the cost of testing meters should the fares be increased; (3) that the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to increase the fares as specified in the appendix to the Report if the result of consultation, in terms of the Act, shows a majority view that supported such increase; that the fares remain at their present level should the result of the said consultation show a majority view against any increase and that the whole matter be brought back before the Sub-Committee for final decision should no clear view result from the consultation.
Fees for Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing CH04.06.12	6*	The Director of Corporate Services submitted a Report concerning the review of fees in respect of taxi licensing and private hire car licensing. In order to improve the whole taxi licensing and private car hire licensing service in the Western Isles, including the introduction of knowledge tests and the continuation of spot checks on vehicles, the cost of which were borne by the Licensing Authority, the level of fees charged would require to be raised.
		It was agreed to recommend that: (1) the revised level of fees for taxi licensing and private car hire licensing as detailed in the appendix to the report be approved with effect from 10 July 2000 subject to further consultation on the proposed revised level of fees with interested parties; (2) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to exercise his discretion to grant and renew licences on an annual basis as appropriate in each individual case; (3) following consultation on the proposed increase in fees, as detailed in the appendix to the Report, a further Report be brought back to the Sub-Committee detailing the results of the consultation to enable the Sub-Committee to consider and make a final decision on the level of fees for taxi and private hire car licensing.
		TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Measures to Increase Driver Awareness T09.03	7	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning the proposed implementation of measures to increase driver awareness at East Street and North Street, Sandwick. Both East Street and North Street were presently governed by a 30 mph speed limit. Due to good visibility and a section of road adjacent to Sandwick Cemetery that was not built up vehicles tended to increase speed whilst still in the 30 mph zone.
		It was agreed to provide increased signage and road markings in the East Street, North Street area of Sandwick to increase driver awareness with a view to reducing vehicle speed.
Request to extend 40 mph speed limit at Bayble School T09.03	8	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request for an extension of the 40 mph speed limit at Garrabost, Isle of Lewis. The Report indicated that it would be appropriate to extend the 40 mph speed limit from the Junction of the A886 along Bayble to include the School frontage where the speed of vehicles could legally be 60mph at present.
		It was agreed to approve the implementation of a 40 mph speed limit extension between the A866 Junction at Bayble School.
Request to implement a 30 mph speed limit at Leverburgh T09.03	9	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request to implement a short section of 30 mph speed limit with the existing 40 mph speed limit at Leverburgh, Harris. The area in question covered the housing scheme at Dunmore Crescent, a School, Shop, Church and Post Office and the existing 40 mph limit would act as buffer zone prior to entry into the 30 mph zone.
		It was agreed to approve the implementation of a 30 mph speed limit covering the length of the A859 at Leverburgh from Dunmore Crescent to the Post Office within the existing 40 mph speed limit.
Provision of Controlled Pedestrian Crossing at Creagorry T09.03	10	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request to install a pelican crossing on the A865 at Greagorry, South Uist. The location was near the Co-op Supermarket and housing scheme at Princes Street and was a relatively busy area from a vehicular and pedestrian viewpoint. The Report indicated that it was, however, unlikely that traffic volumes were sufficient to justify a pelican crossing.
		It was agreed that, in view of the initial assessment which was supported by the police that it was unlikely that a controlled crossing would be justified, a 30 mph zone within the existing 40 mph section be approved in order to improve driver awareness at Greagorry, South Uist.
Request to extend 40 mph Speed Limit on A866 at Aignish, Point T09.03	11	The Director of Technical Services submitted a Report concerning a request for an extension to the 40 mph speed limit on the A866 at the east end of the Braighe sea wall, Isle of Lewis.
		It was agreed to approve the implementation of the 40 mph speed limit on the A866 at the Point end of the Braighe sea wall. Arising from consideration of this item it was agreed to recommend that the safety improvements for Matheson Road/Church Street Junction which had failed to feature in the Capital Programme 2000 - 2003 be included for consideration under the Minor Roads Safety Improvements programme.