On the 24th July at the Miscellaneous Licensing Committee meeting held virtually, The Committee agreed to grant Private Hire Vehicle Licences for the use of the proposed ZBee Tuk-Tuks.
During debate the following points were noted:-
1. Concern was expressed about safety and the tuk-tuks using B roads
with national speed limits; however it was also noted that cyclists,
horse-riders also used these roads;
2. It was a forward thinking and innovative application;
3. Concern about carrying surfboards on the vehicle; although it was
noted that this would not happen initially;
4. It was acknowledged that the application was for private hire vehicles
so they could only be pre-booked;
5. There was a general consensus that there should be doors, although a
handrail was also suggested as an option.
It was resolved that the application for the use of ZBee electric tuk-tuks as Private Hire Vehicles be granted subject to the following:
– The satisfactory testing of the vehicles.
– The Cornwall Council Private Hire Vehicle Licence Conditions being
amended in accordance with those Conditions set out at Appendix 7 of
the report and attached to the licences as conditions of licence. For the
avoidance of doubt where the amended Conditions conflict with any
existing Conditions the amended Conditions will apply.
– That a further Condition be added to require doors to be fitted to the
vehicles. Members felt that this was reasonable and necessary for the
safety and comfort of passengers so that the sides of the vehicles are
not open and exposed.
Members noted that the vehicles did not meet the Councils specification or
Conditions regarding Private Hire vehicles currently in place. However, Members noted that the nature of the vehicle was different to a normal
vehicle licensed by them. Members considered the application, the
representations from the applicants and the paperwork supplied as part of the application. Taking all the information into account Members felt that the vehicles were suitable to be licensed as Private Hire Vehicles in line with the application taking into account their size, design, mechanical condition and that the vehicles appeared to be both safe and comfortable.