Southend Hackney Carriage Unmet Demand Survey

LVSA have been commissioned by Southend on Sea City Council to undertake a Hackney Carriage Unmet Demand Study.

As part of the study, (following the DfT Best Practise Guidance on taxi licensing) LVSA are undertaking consultation with a range of stakeholders, including members of the trade, members of the public, Council departments, political representatives, rail and bus station operators, hospitals, licensed premises, police, chamber of commerce and tourism and elderly representatives, user group representatives and locality representatives.

We would be grateful for any comments and views you may have on Hackney Carriages within the Southend on Sea City Council area.

It is important, for this study, to distinguish between different types of licensed vehicles. For the avoidance of doubt, Hackney Carriages may flagged down (Hailed) in the street, as well as hired at a taxi rank and obtained through advanced booking. Hackney Carriages have a ‘TAXI’ sign on the roof. Other licensed vehicles are Private Hire Vehicles (often known as mini-cabs). Private Hire Vehicles may only be hired through advanced booking.

We welcome your views on any aspect of the trade. These can be detrimental issues or indeed beneficial factors.

A particular subject area which is under some scrutiny is the availability of licensed vehicles for mobility impaired users. In particular, the availability of suitable wheelchair accessible vehicles for wheelchair users. If you have any views on this subject, please let us know.

It can sometimes be difficult to encapsulate thoughts on the trade, so LVSA have listed common subjects which have featured in consultation feedback, in previous studies. You may feel it is beneficial to comment against one or more of these subjects.

• Location of existing taxi ranks
• Suggestions for new taxi ranks
• Operation of taxi ranks
• Parking issues
• Issues associated with waiting Hackney Carriages
• Demand for new taxi ranks
• Complaints from local residents
• Issues affecting minority groups
• Issues affecting people with mobility impairment
• Issues affecting elderly people
• Issues affecting those with vision or hearing impairment
• Availability of Hackney Carriages at particular times
• Availability of Private Hire Vehicles at particular times
• The level of service and cleanliness of Hackney Carriage vehicles and drivers.
• The impact of transport contracts on availability of Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles.
• The level of service provided through contracts with Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle operators.
• Availability of Hackney Carriages for wheel chair users
• Benefits and issues associated with operating multiple taxi licensing zones

The list of subject areas is not exhaustive and you may feel that many are not applicable. However, if you are aware of any issues related to these aspects, or any other issues which may relate to Hackney Carriages, in particular, we would be very grateful to hear from you.