Two separate surveys will allow both the public and industry professionals to have their say and put the taxi and private hire licensing framework under the microscope.
The consultation will seek to engage the public, taxi service users, affected licence holders (including the Taxi Association) and other relevant stakeholders such as Community Councils, disability groups, student representatives, transport providers and Police Scotland.
The two surveys, which have a closing date of 31st July, are seeking the following information.
- The users and non-users feedback on their view of the taxi/private hire provision within the Stirling Council Area.
- The trade’s view on the service and provision within the Stirling Council Area.
The consultation will inform the Council’s assessment of whether it should maintain a limit on taxi vehicle licence numbers, and whether it requires to modernise the vehicle specifications for taxi and/or private hire vehicles licensed in the area.
Officers will report back to the Planning and Regulation Panel on the results of the consultation no later than September 2019.
Convenor of the Planning and Regulation Panel, Councillor Alasdair MacPherson, said: “It’s vital that there is wide reaching consultation as a successful local taxi and private hire licensing regime is essential for the people of Stirling. It is important that we take the right decisions now to ensure the future of taxi provision is both secure, sustainable and prosperous.”
Vice Convenor of the Planning and Regulation Panel, Councillor Chris Kane, said: “Taxis are an important part of Stirling’s communities and we are committed to regulations that will provide a safe, reliable and accessible service that is of benefit to all of our citizens.”