Decision ref
0091 2023/24
Decision date
18/03/2024
Portfolio
Economy, Business and Skills
Wards
Town Centre
Title
Consultation - Closure and Re-allocation of Hackney Carriage Ranks in St Helens Town Centre
Summary
To approve the commencement of a 28 day legal consultation period relating to the proposed removal and creation (re-allocation) of the existing Hackney Carriage Ranks in St Helens Town Centre.
Purpose
To seek approval to undertake public and trade engagement via a 28 day legal consultation process to inform the decision making on the proposed removal and creation (reallocation) of the Hackney Carriage Ranks within the St Helens Town Centre.
Background
This consultation is required pursuant to Section 63 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
As part of the wider plans for the regeneration of St Helens Town Centre, a Movement Strategy is in development which will inform the future proposals for both traffic and pedestrian flow within this area. In the development of this Strategy, it is necessary to consider the relocation of the existing Hackney Carriage Ranks in the following locations:
Attached are the site maps for each of the ranks outlined above.
The power to create (or remove) a hackney carriage stand is set out in Section 63 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and contains a statutory procedure that must be followed. The process sets out that the consent of the highway authority or land owner is required and before a new stand is created (or removed), notice must be given to the Chief Officer of Police and a public notice must be published in one local newspaper. Any objections which are received within 28 days must be taken into account, together with any comments from the police, before the creation or removal of the stand is approved. There are also limitations on the siting of hackney carriage stands set out in section 63(3) to effectively prevent obstructions or impediments caused by hackney carriage stands to premises or other public service vehicles.
Approval is therefore requested to commence the consultation by way of the required statutory public notice in the St Helens Star Newspaper. The public notice should also be available to view on Town Hall reception. In order to provide the opportunity for direct engagement with the sector - a dedicated meeting will be held with trade representatives on 15 March 2024.
Following the conclusion of this consultation period, a report will be presented to a meeting of Cabinet on 22 May 2024 to consider approval of this proposal. As required by Section 63, the report will detail any objections received within the 28 day consultation period together with any comments from the police for Members' consideration.
In order to avoid disruption to the trade and to provide continuity of service for the public, the replacement ranks must be created and ready for the trade to move to and commence business, prior to removal or infringement of the existing ranks.
EXISTING TAXI RANK BAYS AFFECTED
24hr - Hall Street (7), Bridge Street (4) = 11
Evenings - Chalon Way West (6) = 6
Combined total 17
REPLACEMENT PROVISION
24hr - Church Street (4), Shaw Street (2), Cotham Street (3), Bridge Street (7), Claughton Street (1) = 17
Evenings - Baldwin Street West (7) = 7
Combined total = 24
Conclusion
The Council has approved plans for transformational change in St Helens Town Centre. A key part of this is ensuring that the provision of access to public transport aligns with the needs of visitors and therefore, as the physical change commences, there will be a need to revisit the wider Movement Strategy in this process. Whilst the existing ranks have met the needs of the existing Town Centre, there is a requirement to review this provision. Consultation with the sector and service users will ensure that any future decision making takes into account any objections or comments.
Risk Implications
There are a number of risks to consider:
(i) Retaining the status quo could potentially impact the proposals for the wider regeneration of the Town Centre, including the indicative timeline for future decision making and implementation of key phases of this activity.
(ii) If the ranks remain in their current position, there is a risk that the footfall in the existing locations will no longer be sufficient to provide adequate trade for the ranks and licence holders. The local authority wants to support this sector and also to ensure that the provision of ranks aligns with the highest areas of future footfall to meet the needs of the public.
(iii) Feedback from the sector at the conclusion of this process may not support the preferred options for removal and creation (reallocation) of the ranks.
Measures to Redress Risk
Undertaking timely consultation and providing the opportunity for the sector voice and resident feedback to inform this process will ensure that any future decisions are informed by those directly impacted by any change.
Declarations Of Interest
None
Equality Impact Assessment
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More information
Please contact Samantha Murray on 01744 676585
