Taxi licences

Downloads

Download the hackney carriage and private hire licence fees [PDF, 32 Kb]

Further information

Types of taxi licence

There are two types of taxi licence:

• public hire vehicles (hackney carriages), and;
• vehicles which are only available by prior booking (private hire vehicles).

The description ‘taxi’ should only be used for a hackney carriage - any hire vehicle is usually known as a ‘taxi’ by the public.

What's the difference between a hackney carriage and a private hire vehicle?

Hackney carriages

A licensed hackney carriage may ply for hire from an appointed hackney carriage stand in the district in which it is licensed, or may be hailed in a street in that district, or take advanced bookings.

Private hire vehicles

A licensed private hire vehicle may only take on journeys in response to advance bookings. The charges for journeys are not subject to district council control, and should be agreed with the clients prior to the journey.

The operator of the vehicle must also hold a private hire operators licence.

The licensing process

Before any vehicle is licensed it is tested at a designated vehicle workshop. The test covers the vehicle's mechanics, general appearance and comfort for passengers.

We are also responsible for the licensing of the drivers of both classes of vehicle. We must make sure that all drivers are ‘fit and proper persons’ to be licensed so checks on an applicant’s background are made.

Criminal records & enforcement

As part of making sure drivers are suitable for the job, we carry out criminal records checks.

We also have a responsibility as the 'Enforcement Agency' of the drivers and vehicles we have licensed. Enforcement covers criminal offences related to ‘taxi’ legislation, drivers’ behaviour, the condition of the vehicles and the investigation of complaints made by the public against any licence holder.

Suspending & revoking licences

As well as granting and issuing licences we can also suspend or revoke licences, and take court action if necessary against any offending licence holder.

Licensing and enforcement is carried out by Council-appointed Authorised Officers for that purpose, and they have been given written authority to do so, as well as having a Council identity badge.

Appeals Procedure

In general, if you wish to appeal against a decision made by the licensing authority, you must appeal to the appropriate Magistrates' Court within a period of 21 days commencing on the day on when the licensing decision was made.

If you require further clarification please contact the licensing team on 01508 533704.