Taxis and private hire licensing

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Taxi Licensing

The Difference Between a Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire Vehicle
Display of Licence Plates
Hailing a Taxi/Pre-Booking a Taxi
Cost of Hiring a Taxi or Private Hire Vehicle
Drivers of Hackney Carriage (Taxis) and Private Hire Vehicles
The Rights of a Passenger
In Case of a Complaint
Taxi Fare Card
List of Taxi Ranks
Criminal Record Check (CRB)
Taxi Licences - Application Forms
Newsletter

The Difference Between a Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire Vehicle

All Hackney Carriage (taxis) are required to display an illuminated 'TAXI' sign.  On licensed cars the sign is fitted to the roof and the word 'taxi' is visible from the front.

During hours of darkness all taxi signs are illuminated when the vehicles are available for hire.

Private Hire Vehicles are not permitted to display any sign on the roof of the vehicle.

Display of Licence Plates

All taxis and Private Hire Vehicles have to display licensed plates, one fixed to the rear and one fixed to the internal dashboard of the vehicle.  The plate displays the Licence Number and the number of passengers that a vehicle is allowed to carry.

Hackney Carriage Vehicles (taxis) display a white exterior plate and Private Hire Vehicles display a yellow exterior plate.

Hailing a Taxi/Pre-Booking a Taxi

Hackney Carriage (taxis) can be hailed, (flagged down), directly from the street or hired from taxi ranks, which are situated in each town.  Private Hire Vehicles must, by law, be pre-booked.

Cost of Hiring a Taxi or Private Hire Vehicle

All Hackney Carriage (taxis) are fitted with fare meters, which should be used for each journey.  A Fare Card must be displayed inside the taxi and passengers should refer to the Fare Card to see if the correct fare is being charged.  If a passenger has any doubts about the correct fare being charged they are advised to request a receipt from the driver.

Private Hire Vehicles do not need to have a fare meter fitted.  It is advisable to agree any fare at the time of booking and ensure that the cost is confirmed with the driver prior to the journey commencing.  Where meters are voluntarily fitted, the Council tests for accuracy.

Journeys in Private Hire Vehicles must be pre-booked through an Operator licensed by the Council. Licences are only issued to Operators who are fit and proper persons and who understand the relevant laws.  Licensed Operators must ensure that drivers and vehicles used by them comply with all Licence Conditions.

The responsibility of providing a safe, efficient and courteous service lies in part with the driver, Vehicle Proprietor and Operator.

Taxi Fare Card

To view the fares for the hiring of Hackney Carriage Vehicles by time or distance within Wiltshire Council North please click on the following link.

Taxi Fare Card for Wiltshire Council North

Drivers of Hackney Carriage (Taxis) and Private Hire Vehicles

Driver's Licences are only issued after the driver has been checked to ensure:

• They hold a full, valid Driving Licence for a minimum of 12 months
• They are a fit and proper person.  This includes vetting for criminal convictions, including motor offences
• They have successfully undertaken a Knowledge Test of the area
• They are aware of the conditions attached to the Driver Licence

All licensed drivers must wear an Identification Badge, which includes a photograph of the bearer.

A 'dual' Licence that permits a licensed driver to drive a Hackney Carriage (taxi) and a Private Hire Vehicle are issued for those drivers within the North Area of Wiltshire Council.

The Rights of a Passenger

When a passenger hires a taxi or pre-books a Private Hire Vehicle, they have certain rights.  These are:

• The driver must only charge the fare that is shown on the meter unless the fare is agreed before the journey commences
• The driver must comply with the passengers instructions as to the route taken etc.
• The driver must take the passenger to their destination by the shortest possible route
• The driver must not allow other passengers to share the vehicle without the agreement of the passenger who hired or pre-booked the vehicle
• When requested, the driver should assist in loading and unloading luggage

In Case of Complaint

Should a passenger feel they have a need to make a complaint they should, if possible, make note of the following:

• Check the fare shown on the meter (if possible, obtain a receipt)
• Note the driver's Badge Number and name
• Note both the vehicle Licence Plate Number and Registration Number, along with the make and model of the vehicle and any other signs of identification.
• Note the time, date and details of the journey.
• Note any other relevant factors, for example, description of the driver.
• Contact the Licensing Officer at Wiltshire Council.

Taxi Ranks

New Road	Chippenham
Market Place	Chippenham
Borough Parade	Chippenham
The Railway Station	Chippenham
Newlands Road Car Park	Corsham
High Street	Wootton Bassett
The Strand	Calne
Cross Hayes	Malmesbury

Criminal Record Check (CRB)

All applicants applying for any type of driver licence must complete a Criminal Records Check (CRB).  A CRB Form can be obtained from the Licensing Department at Wiltshire Council, Monkton Park, Chippenham.  An appointment should be made to visit the offices in order to ensure that the form is completed correctly and all necessary documentation has been submitted

For further guidance on obtaining a Criminal Records Check please click on the following link:

Criminal Record Check Guidance Notes

Taxi Licences

To view the types of Taxi Licences available please click on the link given below:

Taxi Licences - Application Forms

Newsletters

Please click on the relevant link below to download the newsletter.

May 2009 Newsletter (40.3 KB PDF)

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Some services differ based on where you live. Why is this?

South

You will need

Taxi driver licence

Taxi vehicle licence

Private hire operator licence

Payment

• The cost depends on the type of licence issued, as follows:
• Driver licence initial application - £76 (includes £36 CRB Enhanced Disclosure fee)
• Driver licence fee - £60 single/£95 joint plus £3 for driver ID badge
• Hackney Carriage vehicle licence - £140 per year
• Private Hire vehicle licence - £105 per year
• Private Hire operators' licence - £140 per year

Forms

New application for a licence to drive a Hackney Carriage or private hire vehicle 225kb

Renewal application for a licence to drive a Hackney Carriage or private hire vehicle 208kb

Medical Examination form for Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver's Licence 232kb

Private hire operators licence application form 205kb

Hackney Carriage proprietor's licence application form 226kb

Private hire vehicle licence application form 228kb

Some services differ based on where you live. Why is this?

East

Hackney Carriages and Private Hire

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	Fixed Penalty Notice	Court awarded fine
Smoking in a smokefree place	Anyone who smokes in a smokefree place	£30	£50.	Up to £200
Failing to display required no-smoking signs	Anyone who manages to occupies the smokefree premises or vehicle	£150	£200	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

Applying for a licence

To operate in Kennet, drivers and vehicles must be licenced by Wiltshire Council's Licensing Section. In addition to this, Private Hire Operators must be licenced.

Please return the application form to the address below together with the required fees, completed medical certificate/declaration, DVLA driving licence, two passport-size photographs and any other original documents required. An appointment will be required to complete the CRB Disclosure.

You may download our application forms below.

Drivers

Hackney Carriage Driver's Licence(pdf, 36kb)

Private Hire Driver's Licence(pdf, 36kb)

Medical Questionnaire(pdf, 84kb)

Vehicles

Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence (pdf, 89 KB)

Private Hire Vehicle Licence (pdf, 90 KB)

Operators

Private Hire Operator's Licence (pdf, 55 KB)

Conditions

Hackney Carriage Vehicles, Drivers and Proprietors (pdf, 35 KB)

Private Hire Vehicles, Drivers and Operators (pdf, 39 KB)

Criminal Records Bureau

ALL DRIVERS: Applicants must submit pages 1 and 2 of the drivers’ application at the time of a CRB. The CRB disclosure will not be processed until this form has been received.. This is to ensure that any previous convictions whether spent or otherwise are declared at time of applying. The fee is £75.00 for new and £49 for renewal . This fee is refundable if a licence is refused. The CRB fee is separate to the application fee, which is £51 and this is non-refundable

You will need to come to the offices and fill out a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure with an officer.

You can view our licence fees and charges here. Please make cheques payable to Wiltshire Council

Some services differ based on where you live. Why is this?

West

Information for Customers/Passengers

Introduction
How to recognise a Taxi
How to recognise a Private Hire Vehicle
Drivers of Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles
Your rights as a passenger
Existing Taxi Ranks
Hackney Carriages - Table of Fares
Complaints
Who to Contact
List of Licensed Taxi & Private Hire Operators within West Wiltshire

Information for Taxi/ Private Hire Providers

Taxi Talk Newsletter - March 2006 - (PDF file - opens in new window)
Applying for a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Licence
Private Hire FAQ - (PDF file - opens in new window)
Useful Links

Introduction

This information has been prepared for the information and convenience of people requiring a taxi or private hire service in West Wiltshire.

The list should not be taken as a recommendation by the District Council that a person requiring a taxi or private hire service should use any particular firm mentioned in this list.

The public should only use Taxi Proprietors or Private Hire Operators shown in the list, as licences are only granted by the District Council to Taxi Proprietors or Private Hire Operators who operate to a standard approved by the Council.

How to recognise a taxi

Taxi sign

All taxis are required to display an illuminated TAXI sign. On licensed cars the sign is fitted on the roof and the word "taxi" is visible from the front. During hours of darkness all taxi signs are illuminated when the vehicles are available for hire.

Licence display

All taxis have to display license plates, one fixed to the rear and the other to the internal dashboard of the vehicle. The plate displays the licence number and the number of passengers that the vehicle is allowed to carry.

Hailing a taxi

Taxis can be hailed (flagged down) directly from the street or hired from taxi ranks, which are situated in each town.

The cost of hiring a taxi

All taxis are fitted with fare meters, which must be used for every journey within West Wiltshire. Fare levels are fixed for all vehicles by the district council and a fare chart must be displayed inside the taxi. Passengers should refer to the fare chart to see if the correct fare is being charged.

How to recognise a Private Hire Vehicle (PHV)

Top sign

Private Hire Vehicles are not allowed to display any sign.

Licence display

Private Hire Vehicles have to display a licence plate on rear of the vehicle to show the licence number and the number of passengers that the vehicle is allowed to carry.

Pre-booking

Private Hire Vehicles are not licensed or insured to be flagged down or hired from taxi ranks. These vehicles must be pre-booked through a private hire operator's office, either by telephone or in person.

The cost of hiring PHV

These vehicles do not need to have a fare meter fitted. If no meter is fitted you may negotiate the fare with the driver before the start of the journey.

Where meters are fitted voluntarily, the District Council tests for accuracy. Records must be kept by the driver of all booked journeys.

Operators of Private Hire Vehicles

Private Hire Vehicles must be pre-booked through an operator licensed by the District Council. Licences are only issued to operators who are fit and proper persons who understand the relevant laws. Licensed operators must ensure that drivers and vehicles used by them comply with all licence conditions.

Licensed operators are responsible for providing a safe and courteous service to their clients.

Drivers of Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles

Driver's licences are only issued by West Wiltshire District Council after the driver has been checked to ensure that he or she:

• Has a valid driving licence
• Is a fit and proper person
• Understands the relevant law
• Has a good knowledge of the town in which he or she is based.

All licensed drivers must wear an identification badge, which includes a photograph of the bearer.

Your rights as a passenger

When you hire a taxi or pre-book a private hire vehicle you have certain rights. These are:

• The driver must only charge the fare that is shown on the meter unless the fare is agreed before the journey commences.
• The driver must comply with your instructions as to route etc.
• The driver must take you to your destination by the shortest possible route.
• The driver must not allow other passengers to share the vehicle without your agreement.
• When requested, the driver should assist in loading and unloading luggage and should also carry it to or from a house, station or place where the passengers are taken up or set down.

Existing taxi ranks

Bradford on Avon - Bridge Street

Melksham - Market Place

Trowbridge - Market Street, Wicker Hill, Church Street, Castle Street

Warminster - Station Road

Westbury - Edward Street

Hackney Carriages - details of fares

For journeys starting	Vehicles up to 4 seats	Vehicles with more than 4 seats carrying more than 4 passengers
0600 hours - 2359 hours	Tariff 1	Tariff 2
Midnight - 0159 hours and Bank Holidays, Public Holidays and Easter Sunday	Tariff 2	Tariff 4
0200 - 0559 hours and 25 December, 26 December and 1 January	Tariff 3	Tariff 5

Table of Tariffs	Tariff 1	Tariff 2	Tariff 3	Tariff 4	Tariff 5
Journeys up to 160 yards	£2.10	£3.15	£4.20	£4.73	£6.30
Subsequent 160.9 yards	16p	24p	32p	36p	48p
Waiting time per 38.4 seconds	16p	24p	32p	36p	48p
Fouling charge (minimum)	£50	£50	£50	£50	£50

Complaints

In case of any complaint about a driver, or a taxi or private hire vehicle, you will need to take note of as much information as possible in order for any action to be taken:

• Check fare shown on meter
• Note the driver’s badge number
• Note the vehicle licence plate number
• Note time, date and place

You will then need to complete and send in a complaint form - print one here -and your complaint will then be investigated.

Some examples of the kind of complaints we are able to deal with include:

• The condition of a licensed vehicle
• The attitude / behaviour of a licensed driver
• Overcharging

Who to contact

For further information about taxis or private hire please email:

licensing@westwiltshire.gov.uk

List of Licensed Taxi/Private Hire Operators within West Wiltshire

To view list, please click to select an area:

Taxi Operators in:

Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Melksham, Westbury, Warminster

Private Hire Operators in:

Trowbridge, Melksham, Westbury, Warminster

Taxi operators in Bradford on Avon

A & D Taxis - 01225 865620

Alpha Taxis - 01225 752916 / 01225 753218 / Freephone 0800 371297

Ashley Cabs - 01225 868111

Time 4 Travel Cars - 01225 862076

* wheelchair accessible

Taxi operators in Melksham

ABT of Melksham - 01225 353637

A & P Taxis - 01225 706133

City Cars - 01225 700038

Forest Taxis - 01225 705453

Index Taxis - 01225 700800

Jim's Taxis - 01225 790222

MJB Taxis - 01225 700776 / 01380 871399

Paul's Taxis* - 07986 517319*

Webbs Private Hire & Taxis - 01225 706805

* wheelchair accessible

Taxi operators in Trowbridge

ABT of Trowbridge - 01225 777555

A & D Taxis - 01225 751332 / 01225 755675

Alpha Taxis - 01225 752916 / 01225 753218 / Freephone 0800 371297

AMS Taxis - 07785 915841 / 01225 710152

Andy's Handy Taxis - 01225 763269

Ashton Cabs - 01225 776898

County Cars - 01225 352173C

Cowdry's Cabs - 07765 170685

Mim's Taxis - 01225 767918

PC Taxi - 01225 766806

Rico's Cabs - 01225 353281

Round-A-Bout Travel - 01225 766716

RPB Executive Travel - 01225 712233

Terry's Taxi* - 07795 180596*

Text-a-cab - 07840 807170

* wheelchair accessible

Taxi operators in Warminster

1st Class - 07976 514569

A & G Minibuses* - 01985 218754*

D J's Taxis* - 01985 215151*

Prestige Private Hire Taxi - 01985 847301

Rod's Taxis - 01985 219001

Starline & Wessex Taxis* - 01985 212215 / 01985 212243 / 01985 218988*

* wheelchair accessible

Taxi operators in Westbury

24-7 Taxis - 01373 824789

5 Star Travel - 07736 002868

Beta Taxis - 01373 822986

Round-A-Bout Travel - 0800 848 8716

Tony's Taxis - 01373 823893

* wheelchair accessible

Private Hire Operators in Melksham

ABT of Melksham - 01225 353637

Caravelle Chauffeuring - 01225 703886

Executive Chauffeur - 01225 704707

Leszan Travel* - 01225 790232*

* wheelchair accessible

Private Hire Operators in Trowbridge

ABT of Trowbridge - 01225 777555

Airport Specialists - 01225 764141

Customised Chauffer Services - 07860 810737

* wheelchair accessible

Private Hire Operators in Westbury

R J Private Hire - 01373 864391

Private Hire Operators in Warminster

A & G Minibuses* - 01985 218754*

R Burt (Codford) - 01985 850083

* wheelchair accessible

Applying for a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Licence

A licence is required to drive a hackney carriage (taxi) or private hire vehicle. Licences are valid for 12 months from the date of issue and cover both hackney carriage and private hire. If you are intending to operate from or be based in West Wiltshire you need to obtain a licence from us.

To become licensed, applicants must:

• Have held a full British driving licence for at least 12 months.
• Be certified medically fit by a doctor
• Not have any criminal or motoring convictions that would pose a risk to the public
• Have a basic knowledge of the district

The annual licence fee is £61 for new applicants, with renewals, where the application is made before the old licence expires, being £56. Medical fees are variable and the cost will depend on where your medical is carried out. CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks cost £36 payable at the time of check. (These fees are in place until 1 April 2009)

If you would like to be sent an application pack, which includes a step-by-step guide on how to become a licensed driver, please email licensing@westwiltshire.gov.uk stating your name and address. If you would like to download an application pack, click on this link (Please Note that this downloadable pack does not contain a CRB disclosure form. If you do not have one of these CRB disclosure forms, you can obtain one by contacting us on 01225 776655).

Useful links

Taxi Driver Online - www.taxi-driver.co.uk This website contains news comment and advice on the UK taxi and private hire trades. (page opens in a new window)

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