Hackney Carriages & Private Hire

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Last revised: 9 October 2008

Taxi

Legislation

Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, the Licensing Section undertakes the licensing of Hackney Carriages and Hackney Carriage Drivers and Private Hire Vehicles, Drivers and Operators. The whole licensing process is designed for the safety of the public by ensuring that the vehicles we licence are safe, reliable and efficient and that the drivers we licence are 'fit and proper'.

In this District, there are two types of vehicle licensed - Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles.

A Hackney Carriage :

  • can park on an authorised taxi rank

  • will display a white plate on the rear bumper

  • can ply for hire or be hailed by prospective passengers in the controlling district

  • must be driven by a licensed hackney carriage driver at all times whether or not the vehicle is working

A Private Hire Vehicle :

  • must be pre-booked with a licensed private hire operator

  • will display a black plate on the rear bumper

  • cannot stand on a rank and cannot ply for hire

  • must not operate independently from a private hire operator

  • must be driven by a licensed private hire driver

There are no regulations with regard to fares in private hire vehicles but it is advised that the cost of hiring should be agreed prior to the journey commencing.

Both types of vehicle are subject to mechanical testing and all vehicle documents are checked including appropriate insurance prior to the licence being issued

Smokefree:-  All Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles must display a no-smoking sign in each compartment of the vehicle in which people can be carried.  This must show the international no-smoking symbol at least 70mm in diameter (The international no-smoking symbol consists solely of a graphic representation of a single burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle of at least 70mm in diameter with a red bar accross it).  Anyone who does not comply with the smokefree law will be committing a criminal offence.  The fixed penalty notices and maximum fine for each offence are set out in the table below.

Offence

Who is liable?

Fixed Penalty Notice

(if paid in 15 days)

Fixed Penalty Notice

(if paid in 29 days)

Court awarded fine

Smoking in a smokefree place

Anyone who smokes in a smokefree place

£30

£50

Up to £200

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Up to £200

Failing to display required no-smoking signs

Anyone who manages or occupies the smokefree premises or vehicle

£150

£200

Up to £1000

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Up to £1000

Failing to prevent smoking in a smokefree place

Anyone who manages or controls the smokefree premises or vehicle

N/A

N/A

Up to £2500

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Up to £2500

Applying for a licence

Drivers, vehicles and operators (Private Hire only) must all be licenced by Kennet District Council.
You may download our application forms by following here.