Licence - hackney carriage (taxi)
The ‘Public’ is comprised of many individuals with different
needs, abilities and in some cases, disabilities. It is essential
that the service provided by Hackney Carriages vehicles is
able to cope with this variety, therefore the service provided
must be both safe and accessible. Public safety is paramount.
Hackney carriages or taxis as they are better
known, undertake the same type of work as private hire vehicles
but there are fundamental differences in the way they are
able to work.
- May pick up passengers from either a taxi
rank or from in the street and must display a taxi sign on the
roof, with the light illuminated if available for hire.
- A plate must be displayed, securely
fastened to the rear of the vehicle, stating the district in
which licensed, the number of passengers licensed to
carry, and the vehicle details i.e. Hackney Carriage vehicle
registration.
- All hackney carriages are fitted with a
meter which will, upon arriving at the destination, give the cost
of the journey.
The scale of charges are
set by the council following public consultation. The table of
fares showing the charges must be displayed in the vehicle and the
driver must not charge more than the amount shown on the meter.
Journeys may also be booked and at that time a quote may be given
for the cost of the journey which if accepted must be honoured by
the driver.
Vehicles are tested and inspected annually to
ensure they are mechanically fit, safe and comfortable.
For more information on Hackney Carriage
licences please follow the navigation links to the left.
If licensed as a Hackney Carriage driver you may only drive a
Hackney Carriage vehicle. We also offer a Dual Driver Licence for
those people who would like to have the opportunity to drive as
both a Hackney Carriage driver and to work for a Private Hire
operator. For more information and to download a copy of the
licence application form, please follow the above link.
Please read the policy guidelines attached to the application
form available from the
Taxi Licensing Officer
or telephone 01653 600666 ext. 474 (please see Downloads
for the online form).
Applying for Licenses
What is required?
You will be required to fill in the relevant driver and
vehicle application form and an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau
(CRB) check will be carried out with the Criminal Records
Bureau and a medical form will need completing by your GP.
Initial enquiry
Once you have made your initial enquiry you will be given the
relevant application form along with a medical and CRB form to
complete. For identification purposes your application must be
supported with two passport photographs and with the following
documents: a current passport (if available), a full driving
licence, and either a birth or marriage certificate; and a
utility bill showing your current address.
Your GP should complete the medical form and return it to the
Taxi Licensing office; the fee for which is payable by the
applicant.
Fees
Fees are charged for vehicle and driver licences. Please
ring for details.