Licence- Hackney Carriage (Vehicle Plate)

A Hackney Carriage, is more commonly referred to as a taxi.  The council regulates the number of Hackney Carriages it licences.

This licence is required for any chauffeur-driven hire vehicle that will ply for hire, be flagged down or hired at a taxi rank.  These vehicles have a roof sign and display a yellow plate on the rear of the vehicle.

For a vehicle to be licensed it must pass an MOT and garage test to ensure safety.  We ensure that the vehicles are suitable and adequately insured to maintain high standards of safety.

The issuing of the licence is also subject to the following conditions;

Identification Plates

The identification plates remain the property of the Council at all times and are to be affixed to the rear exterior of the vehicle and are required top be  maintained in such condition that the information on the plate is clearly visible to the public at all times.

Maintenance of Vehicle

At al times when the vehicle is in use or available for hire the fittings and equipment are to be kept in an efficient, safe, tidy and clean condition and all relevant statutory requirements shall be fully complied with.

Alteration of Vehicle

The council must approve any material alteration or change in the specification, design, condition or appearance of the vehicle at any time while the licence is in force.

Passengers

The proprietor of a licensed hackney carriage shall not permit to be conveyed a greater number of persons than that prescribed on the licence issued by the council and on the licence plate affixed to the rear of the vehicle.

Taximeters

The proprietor shall ensure that the vehicle is fitted with a taximeter approved by the council.  The meter is to be maintained in a sound mechanical condition at all times.  The taximeter shall be set for the current tariff agreed by the Council and shall be sealed to prevent unauthorised adjustment.  The proprietor shall ensure that the “For Hire” sign or other illuminated sign is extinguished when the fare commences, and the meter brought into operation.

Fare Tables

The proprietor shall ensure that a copy of the Council’s current fare table is on display, in clear view, inside the hackney carriage at all times.

Vehicle Insurance

At all times while the licence is in force the proprietor shall keep in force in relation to the use of the vehicle as a hackney carriage a Policy of insurance complying with the requirements of Part VI of the Road Traffic Act 1984.  A new certificate or cover note must be produced to the council by the proprietor within 7 days of the expiry of every Certificate of Insurance or cover note prior to renewal date.