The Council is responding to the Scottish Executive’s recent consultation document on this issue which was circulated after the Council’s Licensing Committee Convener met the Transport Minister earlier this year.

At next week’s Licensing Committee meeting on 31 August 2005, members will be asked to approve the Council’s response to the consultation.  The Council has been seeking legislation for the booking offices – also known as base stations – for many years.

While drivers and vehicles are licensed under existing the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, there is no legislation governing the radio control base or booking office.

The Council has become concerned about the operation of these bases for a variety of reasons including allegations of illegal activities being operated within some premises and complaints from nearby residents about late night noise.

Bailie Malcolm McLean, Convener of the Council’s Licensing Committee said:

“We have been looking for licensing for base stations for many years.  I met the Transport Minister in March this year to lobby again for legislation and at last it looks like we will get our wish.”

The report can be found on the Council’s web site at www.glasgow.gov.uk/committees