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Taxis and Private Hire Operations
About Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles
All Hackney Carriages (or taxis, to give it its more popular common name) and private hire vehicles, drivers and operators must be licensed. This is a legal requirement and is aimed at ensuring the safety and comfort of the passengers. Each licence must be renewed annually.
Vehicles
Vehicles must meet minimum specifications and are required to undergo MOT testing twice yearly, once on application for the licence and then approximately every six months. Vehicles must carry a taxi or private hire plate on the rear of the vehicle and door signs, indicating the name of the company, must be prominently displayed on the two front doors of the vehicle. The ID plate shall be affixed to the exterior rear of the vehicle and shall be maintained and kept in such condition that the information printed on the plate is visible at all times. The plate will remain the property of the council at all times.
There are a number of differences between taxis and private hire vehicles. The main ones are;
- A taxi stands or plies for hire from a street or a taxi rank. A private hire vehicle can only operate from an off-street location and accept bookings that have been made in advance.
- The Council controls taxi fares, whereas fares in private hire vehicles are a matter between the driver and the hirer.
- A taxi must have a roof sign bearing the word 'Taxi'. A private hire vehicle cannot carry such a sign.
Stretched limousines and speciality vehicles that carry up to 8 passengers and are hired out with the services of a driver should be licensed as private hire vehicles with the council in the area they operate. Drivers and operators of such vehicles have to be similarly licensed.
Downloads
- Conditions for Fire Engine Speciality Vehicles & Stretch Limos
- Details of all Hackney Carriages which are currently licensed with North Warwickshire Borough Council
- Details of all Private Hire Vehicles which are currently licensed with North Warwickshire Borough Council
Drivers
They must undergo a full medical examination to a standard set out by the Department of Transport. These checks are repeated every three years, or more frequently if medically advisable, and annually after the age of 65 years.
As part of its checks on the suitability of an applicant, the Council carries out a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure check to ensure that he/she is a 'fit and proper person' to hold a taxi or private hire driver's licence. Again these checks are carried out every three years.
Applicants must pass a short driving test, taken under the supervision of the Hackney Carriage Inspector. They must also demonstrate local knowledge of both the Borough and the surrounding area.
Operators
The Council works to ensure the safety of the travelling public and expect the taxi and private hire trades to provide a first class service to you every time. In the event of a complaint please try to get the driver's badge number, the vehicle plate number and note the time/day of the incident. The Licensing Officers in Environmental Health, who may be contacted by e-mail or telephone, investigate all complaints.
How to apply for Taxi or Private Hire Licence
If you need to speak to our Licensing Officers for any reason, or wish to apply for Taxi or Private Hire Licences, please contact the Licensing Section.
Email: licensing@northwarks.gov.uk - Appointments with the Central Services Assistant (Licensing) are only available on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Contact us
Email: customerservices@northwarks.gov.uk
Telephone: 01827 715341
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