| AdminHistory | The functions of this committee had previously been exercised by the Watch Committee (see BCC/1/AC), until a separate committee was formed in June 1965, which consisted of eight members of the Watch Committee. The new committee's functions were widespread, and many of minor importance, presumably to take pressure off the Watch Committee, which under the Police Act, 1964, was now concentrating on a Regional Police Force and not just the City Police. The first major task was for the committee was to administer the licensing of taxi cabs and drivers, the upkeep of taxi ranks, as well as the inspection of cabs and testing of meters.
Its second major task was to take on most of the Council's duties with regard to the Road Traffic Acts of 1960 and 1962, as well as the Road Traffic and Improvements Act of 1960. The committee thus found itself responsible for speed limits, road restrictions, signposting, traffic regulation orders, use of highways by Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), prohibition of vehicles on certain roads, school crossing patrols, parking places, bus stations; licences, carriage of goods on roads and regulation of motoring events on public roads.
Further, it took over numerous other responsibilities and tasks. The committee dealt with the registration of pawnbrokers, explosive dealers, scrap dealers, lotteries and gambling establishments, theatres and theatrical agents, animal dealers, travel agents and employment agencies. Also, it was required to provide and manage mortuaries, the Victoria Law Court, Magistrate’s Courts, the Juvenile Court, Probation Offices, Coroner’s Court and offices for the Clerk of Peace and Prosecuting Solicitor, as well as a retreat for inebriates and the girls’ shelter at Edgbaston.
The committee also took on public and private requests to re-route or stop traffic for special reasons; complaints regarding noise pollution and requests to hold public marches and celebrations. The committee also took on the right to prosecute under the Protection of Birds Act, 1954 and the Litter Act, 1958 and also dealt with public recognition for acts of bravery. The committee was not reappointed after April 1967, and its duties were passed on to other committees, a full list of which is included in the minutes. |