Perth and Kinross Council has delayed the decision on a controversial plan to introduce Smart cars as private hire vehicles to allow a “wider discussion” on the matter.
The local authority’s licensing committee was due to discuss the matter recently but has now decided to postpone action on the issue.
It had been suggested that the radical plan should be approved, despite it not meeting the requirements of the local authority’s “blue book”, which governs the criteria private hire vehicles must meet.
The book states that a private hire car should be either a saloon or estate vehicle with four doors and an an engine of not less than 1300cc.
The regulations also dictate that the cars should measure at least 122 centimetres across the back seat.
Concerns had been raised about some female passengers travelling in the Smart cars.
It was suggested that lone women, in particular, may feel “uncomfortable” at having to sit alongside the driver.
That issue was highlighted in a report drawn up by council solicitor Moina McLaren.
She said: “It is recognised in the industry that some passengers, especially lone females, may feel uncomfortable having to sit alongside, rather than behind the driver.
“In considering whether it wishes to license Smart cars for private hire purposes, the committee needs to be satisfied the vehicle is in a suitable mechanical condition, safe and comfortable.
“However, there should be no increased risk to passenger safety from the use of a Smart car, as the vehicle will be subjected to the same testing requirements as the rest of the private hire car fleet.”
The issue will now have to wait until next year to be discussed.
A council spokesperson said that the matter is now “going before one of the policy committees, instead, to allow for a wider discussion of the topic”.