07 September 2008The Council's role in taxi licensing
The Council is responsible for licensing all hire vehicles which operate in Sevenoaks District and which are provided with a driver and operated with less than nine passenger seats.
There are two types: public hire vehicles (hackney carriages) and vehicles which are only available by prior booking (private hire vehicles).
Although the description 'taxi' should only be applied to a hackney carriage any hire vehicle is usually known as a 'taxi' by the public.
Before any vehicle is licensed it is tested at the Council's vehicle workshop. The test covers the vehicle's mechanics, general appearance, comfort for passengers and the reliability of any meter fitted.
The Council also is responsible for the licensing of the drivers of both classes of vehicle. Within the scope of legislation the Council ensures that all drivers are 'fit and proper persons' to be licensed by carrying out checks on an applicant's background and testing their knowledge of the area they will be working in. Click here to view the Council Taxi Licensing Fees 2008 Licensing Fees (Taxis) 2008 (
PDF File 45KB file details)which are not inclusive of the fees paid for a Medical Examination (£50), Driving Standards Agency Driving Test for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers (£69) both of which, in addition to the Criminal Records Bureau Fee (shown in the list of fees), have to be completed by the applicant.
As part of ensuring drivers are suitable for licensing, the Council carries out criminal record checks with the Criminal Records Bureau. Policy documents relating to the licensing of ex-offenders (Policy document - Licensing Ex-Offenders ( PDF 56K file details) and the Storage and Handling etc of Information (Policy Document Storage & Handling of information ( PDF 35K file details) can be viewed here. Applicants are encouraged to read these documents and may request copies if required. For more information, visit the Criminal Records Bureau website. New applicants for a licence will be given details of how to contact the Criminal Records Bureau for their check when they visit the Taxi Licensing Officer.
The Council also has a responsibility as the 'Enforcement Agency' of the drivers and vehicles it has licensed. Enforcement covers criminal offences related to 'taxi' legislation, drivers' behaviour, the condition of the vehicles and the investigation of complaints made by the public against any licence holder.
There are five licences issued in respect of hackney carriage and private hire licensing as follows Hackney Carriage Driver Licence. Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence. Private Hire Driver Licence. Private Hire Vehicle Licence and a Private Hire Operator's Licence.
Private Hire Drivers and Vehicles can only work under a Private Hire Operator's Licence which is issued to the person or firm who makes the provision for the invitation or acceptance of bookings for a private hire vehicle. The person or firm who holds the Operator's Licence can be the same as who has been issued with the private hire vehicle licence although this does not have to be the case. However all three licences (driver, vehicle and operator) must have been issued by the same Licensing Authority. There can be no advertising for private hire work until the Private Hire Operator's Licence has been issued.''
As well as granting and issuing licences the Council can also suspend or revoke licences and take Court action if necessary against any offending licence holder.
Licensing and enforcement is carried out by Council officers appointed 'Authorised Officers' for that purpose and they have been issued with written authority to do so as well as having a Council identity badge.
PDF File 286KB file details) PDF 947K file details)Hackney carriage
A hackney carriage should have an illuminated taxi sign on the roof, a 'for hire' sign and a meter inside the vehicle to show the fare being charged. They can be hired from a taxi rank or by being hailed in the street. In addition a hackney carriage can also perform the work of a private hire vehicle and can also be booked over the phone or by visiting the vehicle's operating centre.
A hackney carriage can be a purpose built vehicle, such as the London type black cab, a saloon car or any other passenger vehicle which carries no more than eight passengers.
Private Hire Vehicle
A private hire vehicle can only be hired by pre-booking it or by visiting the operating centre of the vehicle. A private hire vehicle will not have any signs on the roof or a 'for hire' sign although it can have a meter. Almost all the owners of private hire vehicles in Sevenoaks District choose not to have meters.
A private hire vehicle will normally be a saloon car or other passenger carrying vehicle with less than nine passenger seats other than a hackney carriage.
Hiring a vehicle
The person hiring either a hackney carriage or a private hire vehicle is entering into a contract with the driver of the vehicle or with a firm for them to provide a service. It is up to the individual to ensure clear instructions are given regarding their requirements at the time of hiring the vehicle. If it is a pre-booked call, specify when the vehicle is needed and find out whether a meter is being used or get a quote for the cost of the journey. If a meter is being used in the vehicle the meter cannot be started until the journey begins.
Hackney carriages must not charge more than the maximum fare rate laid down by the Council. However they can charge less and many do. Each hackney carriage has to display the Council's list of maximum fares. Anyone in doubt should look at the meter and compare it with the list of fares. The list of maximum fares was last revised on 1st April 2006.
Private hire vehicles are not governed by a Council maximum fare rate and can charge what they like. In the majority of cases the fares for journeys are quoted the same or less than hackney carriage fares.
When pre-booking a vehicle, it is sometimes a good idea to get quotes from more than one 'taxi' or firm.
All hackney carriage and private hire vehicles licensed by the Council must display an identification plate on the rear and outside of the vehicle and the drivers must wear an identification badge. Certain private hire vehicles, such as limousines or luxury and classic vehicles, are exempt as are some drivers. Any driver or vehicle which is exempt should carry a letter of exemption in the vehicle and the driver must their identity badge with them.
Wheelchair accessible hire vehicles
There are a small number of wheelchair accessible vehicles available in Sevenoaks District which are licensed by the Council. They are available from the following firms or individual owner/drivers:
Sevenoaks area
Beeline Radio Taxis (Sevenoaks) Ltd - 01732 456214
Victor Associates Limited - 01732 452089
ABC Cars Sevenoaks - 01732 779599 or 07961 924028 (Mobile)
Swanley area
Swantax Limited - 01322 660777
Edenbridge area
Reylon - 01732 863800
The Council welcomes views and information from the public regarding their needs for wheelchair accessible vehicles, the availability of currently licensed vehicles or what would help to provide an efficient 'taxi' service for people with physical disabilities.
How to make a 'taxi' related complaint
To make any complaint regarding a licensed driver or vehicle please contact the Council's Taxi Licensing Officer using the contact details below.
How to contact the Council's Taxi Licensing Officer
John Riches
Sevenoaks Direct Services
Dunbrik Depot
2 Main Road
Sundridge
Kent
TN14 6EP
Tel: 01959 567373
e-mail: taxi.licensing.officer@sevenoaks.gov.uk
Please use this link to view the Application Forms used for Hackney Carriage and Private Vehicle Licensing.
