Contact: Jon Foley, ext 7559 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

(i) that the draft bus priority policy guidance considered by the Environment Policy Review Committee on 29 October 2003 (report attached as an appendix) be approved for consultation.

(ii) that officers contact local taxi licensing authorities, with a view to encouraging them to engage with operators of private hire vehicles to develop a system where these vehicles are easily identifiable. This will assist with the implementation of any bus priority policy, and in particular the enforcement of such facilities.

2. Reason

2.1 In recognition of the need to address the complex issues surrounding the implementation of bus priority initiatives in the county, on 7 May 2003 the Environment Policy Review Committee recommended that a sub-group of Members and officers meet to investigate these issues, with a view to preparing draft policy guidance for consideration by that Committee, and the attached report is a result of the outcome of that process.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 A bus priority policy document is required to ensure consistency of application of such facilities throughout the county, and the option of not preparing such a policy has therefore been considered and rejected.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

8394/JF