Licence- Private Hire Vehicle

Private Hire Vehicles cannot ply for hire in the street or at taxi ranks.  Journeys must be pre-booked, normally by phone or in person at a cab office.  Failure to do so is an offence and invalidates the vehicle’s insurance cover.  The council do not regulate fares for private hire vehicles - the cost of a journey will normally be based on a rate per mile or should be agreed with the company before the journey.

Private Hire Vehicles licensed by the Council must display a blue plate on the rear and a smaller internal plate.  Roof signs are not permitted.  Private Hire drivers must also wear an ID badge issued by the Council, which includes his/her photograph.

There are many different laws affecting proprietors and vehicles but the main acts of Parliament covering the licensing of Private Hire Vehicles are contained in Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

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 private hire 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.