Private Hire Operator's Licence
A private hire operator's licence is required to enable a person to accept or invite bookings for private hire vehicles.
One or more persons may be named on the operator's licence and may employ / sub-contract an unlimited number of licensed vehicles (subject to planning conditions). However, a licensed private hire driver cannot accept any bookings unless they hold or work for a licensed private hire operator.
Before an operator's licence is granted the applicant(s) must satisfy the Council that the address from which they intend to operate from is suitable, has appropriate planning consent and adequate off street parking for the number of vehicles which would be working for the operator. If the applicant intends to work from their home, only one vehicle may be used.
The operator must have and produce to the Council a current Certificate of Public Liability Insurance (unless there is no public access to the premises or they operate the business from their home).
The operator must also have and produce before the grant of the operators licence a licence from the Radio Communications Agency showing details of the frequency etc of the radios to be used in connection with the business.
The operator must ensure that proper records are kept (for a minimum of six months) of bookings taken. The records must show the date, time, customer name, pick up, drop off point and the details of the driver undertaking the journey.
Copies of application forms and conditions and procedures in force may be obtained by contacting the Hackney Carriage Unit.
