Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Licensing
Licensing
Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Licensing
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.
In this Borough, there are two types of vehicle licensed - Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles. They are easily distinguished from each other by the fact that Hackney Carriages are all purpose built 'London style' Cabs (you may know them as 'black cabs' even though there are an array of different colours!).
Private Hire Vehicles are usually 'saloon type' vehicles but include minibuses with up to and including 8 passenger seats.
Hackney Carriage Vehicles display a white plate on the front and rear of the vehicle and Private Hire Vehicles display a yellow plate. Both types of vehicle display a small plate of the relevant colour inside the vehicle. View the Hackney Carriage fares.
The basic difference between the two types of vehicle is that Hackney Carriages can be 'flagged down' off the street or on a rank and Private Hire Vehicles must be pre-booked through an Operator. If a Private Hire Driver accepts a fare off the street without it being pre-booked, he is liable for prosecution. It is also important to note that anyone taking a journey in a Private Hire Vehicle which has been 'flagged down' is not insured for the journey.
Both types of vehicle can only be driven by a licensed Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver.
To find out more or if you want to apply for a driver or vehicle licence, please click on the relevant icon.