LICENSING POLICY HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE 2019 - 2022 - Ipswich Borough Council
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HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE
LICENSING POLICY
2019 - 2022
1 OCTOBER 2019HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
CONTENTS
1 Foreword by Councillor Alasdair Ross, 7.7 Conditions
Portfolio Holder 7.8 Identification of vehicles
2 Introduction 7.9 Fire extinguishers
3 Definitions 7.10 Tyres
4 Aims and Objectives of the Policy 7.11 Accidents
5 Delegations 7.12 Vehicle examination and testing requirements
6 Driver Requirements 7.13 Taximeters
6.1 Fit and Proper Person test 7.14 CCTV cameras
6.2 Application process 8 Fares
6.3 Disclosure and Barring Service 8.1 Hackney carriage vehicles
6.4 National Register of Licence Refusals 8.2 Private hire vehicles
and Revocation 9 Private hire operators
6.5 Relevance of convictions and cautions 9.1 Requirement for a licence
6.6 Medical Assessment 9.2 Application process
6.7 Driving Standards test 9.3 Fitness and propriety
6.8 Right to work in the UK 9.4 Use of operator name following revocation
6.9 Qualifications of licence
6.10 Assessments 9.5 Operator responsibility
6.11 Dress Code 9.6 Conditions
6.12 Duration of licence 10 Fee structure
6.13 Code of conduct when working 11 Compliance and Enforcement
6.14 Conditions of licence 11.1 Enforcement
7 Vehicle Requirements 11.2 Suspension/revocation of licence
7.1 Application process 11.3 Refusal to renew a licence
7.2 Grant and renewal of licences 11.4 Prosecution of licence holders
7.3 Designated vehicles list 11.5 Appeals
7.4 Vehicle emissions 11.6 Service requests and complaints
7.5 Insurance
7.6 Vehicle specifications
APPENDICES
A Application process for a Hackney I Process for applying for a vehicle licence
Carriage/Private Hire driver’s licence J Saloon vehicle specification
B DBS Application process K Wheelchair accessible Hackney Carriage
C Guidance as to the relevance of criminal specification
convictions/cautions L Tuk Tuk and motorised pedicabs specification
D Dress Code for drivers M Private Hire (Special needs) vehicle
E Code of Conduct when working with vulnerable specification
passengers N Private Hire Vehicle Licence Conditions
F Private Hire Driver Licence Conditions O Hackney Carriage Licence Condition
G Hackney Carriage Byelaws P Private Hire Operator Licence Conditions
H Combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver Q Environmental Health Enforcement Policy
licence Conditions
2HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
1 FOREWORD by Councillor Alasdair Ross, Portfolio Holder
This policy seeks to set a standard that is amongst the The Council recognises the important role that Hackney
highest in the country with the intention of both protecting Carriages and Private Hire vehicles play in enabling people
the public and retaining confidence in the licensed trade. to travel around the Borough, in doing so they also have
a role in portraying the image of the Borough. The drivers
It is designed to promote improved professional behaviour themselves have a key role as ambassadors for the Borough
amongst licence holders, to increase their awareness of and customers rightly expect that in using licensed vehicles
safeguarding issues, and to allow those that share the they will be transported in comfort and safety. This will help
Council’s commitment to a high standard of service to thrive. to ensure that the industry and the local economy thrive.
The policy will make it extremely difficult for disreputable
individuals to operate within the licensed trade. On 9 July 2019, the Council’s Executive Committee declared
a Climate Emergency and resolved to start working towards
Both the Jay Report into Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Future revisions to this
in Rotherham and the subsequent Corporate Governance policy are likely to include requirements for vehicles licensed
Inspection led by Louise Casey CB identified issues, amongst as taxi and private hire in Ipswich to be zero or extremely low
which was the importance of having effective regulatory and carbon emission.
enforcement functions in preventing and disrupting CSE.
The Taxi Licensing function has a key role in this. At the heart The policy has been the subject of two rounds of
of the new policy lies a commitment to the protection of the consultation and I am grateful to all those
public, safeguarding children and the vulnerable and the who contributed their comments which
prevention of crime and disorder. has helped to shape the final policy.
We aim to ensure that licensed drivers, operators and
vehicles operating in the Borough are of the highest quality, Alasdair Ross, Portfolio Holder, 2021
and can be held to account for their performance.
2 INTRODUCTION
Ipswich Borough Council is responsible for the regulation • T axi and PHV Licensing Criminal Convictions Policy: Local
of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire trades within the Government Regulation, September 2018;
boundaries of the Borough of Ipswich. • Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 -
March 2014;
This policy and related procedures will guide the work of • Disclosure and Barring Service Information Note on
Ipswich Borough Council in the way in which it carries out Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and Police Act 1997
its functions. The policy has immediate effect and will be Orders 2013;
applied to existing licences and new applications received • Regulator’s Code 2016;
after the date that the policy is adopted by the Council. • The Department for Transport “Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle
Licensing Best Practice Guidance”
The Council reserves the right to overturn a decision that
has previously been made, or refuse a renewal of a licence, This policy sets out the requirements and standards that
where clear errors are discovered. In addition, the Council must be met. In exercising its discretion in carrying out its
will undertake periodic auditing of currently licensed drivers/ regulatory functions, the Council will have regard to this
vehicles to ensure that perverse or wrong decisions are policy document. However, each application or enforcement
discovered and corrected. Such audits will be conducted action will be considered on its own merits.
using this policy as the required standard.
The policy will be evaluated 12 months after it has been
The policy has been developed by Ipswich Borough Council introduced, this will be to determine whether the policy is
after consulting with both the public at large and the trade in effective and has achieved the aims set out in Section 3 of
particular. In developing this policy we have also taken into this document. Following this initial evaluation, the Council
consideration: will formally review the policy statement at least every three
• The Council’s licensing aims and objectives years and informally re-evaluate it from time to time. Where
(see Section 4 of this policy); revisions are made, the Council will publish a statement of
• Current legislation; such revisions, along with a revised policy.
• The Office of Fair Trading “The Regulation of Licensed Taxi
and PHV Services in the UK” 2003;
3HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
3 DEFINITIONS
The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act In undertaking its licensing function, the Council
1976, as amended, (“the 1976 Act”) and the Town Police will comply with relevant legislative requirements,
Clauses Act 1847 provides the regulatory framework for including;
Ipswich Borough Council (the “Council”) as the Local
authority (the “Authority”) to carry out its licensing • Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and 1889;
functions in respect of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire • Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976
Licensing. • Transport Act 1985 and 2000
• Crime and Disorder Act 1998
This document sets out the policy that the Council will • Environmental Protection Act 1990
apply when making decisions about new applications • Equality Act 2010
and licences currently in force. This policy applies to: • Road Traffic Acts
• Health Act 2006
• Hackney Carriages: being a vehicle available to transport • Human Rights Act 1998
the public with no more than 8 passenger seats, which is
licensed to ply for hire. This means that it may stand at The Council will also have regard to other strategies,
ranks, be hailed in the street by members of the public, or policies and guidance in its decision making. The Council
undertake pre-booked work; will also have regard to wider considerations affecting
• Private Hire vehicles: licensed to carry no more than eight visitors, employers and residents. These include the
passengers but must be booked in advance by customers availability of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire transport
through a private hire operator and cannot ply for hire in at all times; public nuisance; pollution; crime; and the
the street; capacity of the trade to cope with customer demand,
• Private Hire Operators; particularly at night.
• Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Drivers.
4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To protect the public and to safeguard children and This Policy shall also apply in respect of disciplinary and
vulnerable persons by: enforcement measures.
• Ensuring that hackney carriage and private hire vehicles
are mechanically safe, clean, reliable and insured; Methods
• Ensuring that drivers, proprietors and private hire Methods to promote the objective of the policy will include:
operators are fit and proper persons; • Setting the standards for the licensing of drivers, vehicles
• Ensuring a system of local control. and operators
• The licensing and routine inspection of vehicles, with
To encourage a “mixed” fleet of vehicles to meet the appropriate follow up action
varying needs of those who use hackney carriage and • Routine inspection of insurance and MOT certificates,
private hire vehicles; with appropriate follow up action
• To provide clarity to all relevant parties with respect • The assessment of applicants for driver licences to ensure
to the Council’s expectations of licence holders and they are a “fit and proper” person and thereby entitled
applicants and the decision making process; to hold a licence. This will include consideration of the
• To encourage high standards of service and competence person’s medical fitness, criminal and driving records (if
in the combined hackney carriage and private hire trades. any), knowledge of the relevant law and locality in which
they wish to work and driving standards.
This policy shall apply to all applications and other areas • The assessment of applicants for private hire operator
connected to the following licences: licences to ensure that they are “fit and proper” persons
• Private Hire vehicle proprietor and thereby entitled to hold such a licence.
• Private Hire driver
• Private Hire operator
• Hackney carriage driver
• Hackney carriage proprietor
4HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
• Investigation of complaints with appropriate follow up The Council will keep this Policy under review and will
action. consult where appropriate on proposed revisions. A full
• Liaison with the Police and other agencies regarding review of the Policy will be conducted every three years
issues of mutual concern in relation to offences or the from the date of effect above.
conduct of licensees.
• Taking enforcement and/or disciplinary action which may Upon implementation of this Policy, the Council requires
include the pursuit of criminal prosecution; the giving of licence holders to comply with its terms immediately
informal advice; the giving of verbal and written warnings, unless specific provision as set out within the policy is
the administration of simple cautions; the issue of made for transitional arrangements in respect of existing
formal notices, suspensions or revocations of licences for licences.
breaches of legislation or conditions of licence.
• By imposing and monitoring conditions of licences; From the date of adoption, unless a different effective
• By monitoring compliance with Byelaws. date has been specifically stated, this Policy overrides and
supersedes all existing and previous policies of similar
When considering taking enforcement action the Council effect in relation to private hire and hackney carriage
as Licensing Authority will have regard to the Regulators’ licensing in Ipswich.
Compliance Code, Ipswich Borough Council’s Enforcement
Policy and the Code for Crown Prosecutors. The Council may, in addition to undertaking a full review of
the Policy, undertake an earlier review of the full policy or
Best Practice Guidance areas of the policy as necessary to reflect any legislative or
In formulating this Policy the Council has had regard to other changes relating to hackney carriage and private hire
the best practice guidance issued by the Department for licensing prior to the three year review period.
Transport.
Changes to the Policy may have immediate effect or be
Status expressed as coming into effect on a specified date. The
In carrying out its regulatory functions, the Council will Policy document will be regularly updated to reflect
have regard to legislation, case law, national guidance, this these changes and amended copies will be available on
Policy and objectives set out above. the Council’s website at www.ipswich.gov.uk or from the
Council’s Licensing Team.
Notwithstanding the existence of this Policy, the Council
recognises that it has the ability to exercise discretion Consultation
and each application or enforcement measure will be In preparing this Policy the Council has undertaken and
considered on its own merits. Where it is necessary to had regard to the comments received following extensive
depart from the Policy, clear and compelling reasons will consultation with:
be given for doing so.
•C urrently licensed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire
In the event that any provision of this policy is, or becomes Drivers;
incompatible with any statutory provision, such provision • Currently licensed Private Hire Operators;
of the policy shall be disregarded when determining any • Suffolk Constabulary;
matter to which it relates. • Access Group;
• The general public via the Council’s website.
Implementation and Review
This Policy will take effect from the xxxxxx for all
applications.
Where a person’s continued entitlement to hold a licence
is affected by this policy this will be considered on an
individual basis.
5HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
5 DELEGATIONS
Under the Council’s Constitution the Licensing and Committee, has been delegated by the Council to grant,
Regulatory Committee has the authority, amongst other suspend and refuse licences. In practice this power is
licensing matters, to discharge non-executive regulatory restricted to the immediate suspension/revocation of
functions with respect to Hackney Carriage and Private licences in the interests of public safety, and the granting of
Hire licensing. This function is further delegated to the licences where there are no criminal or other concerns that
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Enforcement Sub give rise to doubts over the applicant’s suitability to hold a
Committee comprising of three elected members drawn licence.
from the Licensing and Regulatory Committee which
determines applications, contraventions, suspensions and In addition, the Operations Manager – Public Protection is
revocations. delegated to appoint and authorise officers to investigate
and discharge statutory duties. These officers include
References regarding the Licensing and Regulatory the Senior Licensing and Enforcement Officer, Licensing
Committee (the Committee) shall, in this policy, also Enforcement Officer and Licensing Officers. Such
be inclusive of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire authorised powers include the issuing of warnings and
Enforcement Sub Committee. STOP notices.
The Operations Manager – Public Protection, in
conjunction with the Chair of Licensing and Regulatory
6 DRIVER REQUIREMENTS
All drivers must satisfy the Council that they are fit and Sections 51 and 59 of the Local Government
proper people to be granted a drivers’ licence, and must (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (Part II).
then remain a fit and proper person for the duration of
that licence. The fitness and propriety of a driver will be The term “Fit and Proper Person” for the purposes of Taxi
monitored/assessed throughout the period that the licence and Private Hire licensing is not legally defined. However,
is held. in determining whether a person is fit and proper to
hold a licence, those tasked with determining licences/
Applicants are expected to act with honesty and applications are effectively asking the following question
integrity throughout the application process, and must of themselves:
therefore fully and accurately disclose any information
that is requested. This includes information regarding “Would you allow your son or daughter, spouse or partner,
previous convictions, warnings and reprimands, current mother or father, grandson or granddaughter or any other
investigations and pending criminal proceedings. person for whom you care, to get into a vehicle with this
person alone?”
The Council aims to ensure that Private Hire and Hackney
Carriage services delivered within the borough are If the answer to the question is an unqualified ‘yes’, then
of a good standard. The application and compliance the person can be considered to be fit and proper. If
procedures are designed to ensure these standards are there are any doubts in the minds of those who make the
maintained, monitored for compliance and appropriately decision, then further consideration should be given as to
enforced. whether a licence should be granted to that person.
The sections below, therefore, apply equally to Private Hire In order to assess the suitability of an applicant (and to
and Hackney Carriage drivers unless indicated and the inform decision makers when answering the question
application procedure is set out in Appendix A. above), the Licensing Authority will undertake whatever
checks and apply whatever processes it considers
6.1 Fit and Proper Person Test necessary to ensure that licences are not issued to, or
The Council considers that licensed drivers are in a position used by, unsuitable people. In assessing the suitability of
of trust, and therefore the Council must ensure that an applicant or licence holder, the Council will take into
applicants/licence holders are and remain fit and proper consideration the following factors:
to hold a licence. This requirement is contained within
6HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
6 DRIVER REQUIREMENTS
• Criminality An individual will not be considered fit and proper to hold a
• Period of holding a driver’s licence licence if there is any evidence of dishonesty, and/or it can
• Number of endorsed driving licence penalty points be shown that an applicant or existing licence holder has
• Right to work misled, or attempted to mislead, the Council (either officers
• Ability to speak English or members of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee) as
• Medical fitness part of any process associated with the administration or
• Standard of driving/driving ability determination of a licence.
• General conduct/standards of behaviour (including
online behaviour) 6.3 Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
A criminal record check on a driver is seen as an important
The conduct of the applicant in making the application safety measure.
(e.g. whether they have acted with honesty and integrity
during the application process) An Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and
The previous licensing history of existing/former licence Barring Service is required as these disclosures include
holders (including honesty and integrity) details of live and spent convictions, police cautions
Theoretical knowledge of issues and matters related to the and other relevant information that indicates that a
work of a licensed driver person poses a risk to public safety. The DBS application
procedures are detailed in Appendix B of this policy.
In addition, the Council will also consider further
information sources such as the Police (including Both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers are
abduction notices), Children and Adult Safeguarding included as “exceptions” within the Rehabilitation of
Boards, other licensing authorities and statutory agencies. Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (the
“Exceptions Order”). Accordingly all drivers will be asked
6.2 Application Process to disclose on their application form any caution or
This Council issues licences that enable the driving of both conviction even if it is spent for other purposes and those
Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles. Licences shall will be revealed on the DBS certificate. Advice will be
be issued for a maximum period of three years but the provided in relation to certain old and minor cautions and
Council can grant licences for a lesser period if deemed convictions which are referred to as “protected”. These do
appropriate. not have to be revealed, and will not appear on the DBS
certificate. This advisory clause is intended as general
Applicants shall have a minimum of four consecutive guidance only and anyone in doubt should seek their own
years of holding a full driving licence issued in the UK. The legal advice.
Driving Licences (Community Driving Licence) Regulations
1996 allow full driving licences issued by European All applicants for the grant or renewal of a licence requiring
Economic Area states to count towards the qualification a DBS check shall be responsible for the costs of obtaining
requirements for the grant of Hackney Carriage and Private the DBS certificate.
Hire Drivers Licences.
The Council will only accept DBS certificates which are
The Council may directly access the DVLA records of applied for through Ipswich Borough Council’s Licensing
applicants, or alternatively will employ the services of Unit. However, DBS certificates that are issued to other
a third party to do this. In addition, a third party service local authorities will be accepted if it has been printed
may be used to assess the suitability of applicants based within the last four weeks, is to an enhanced level and
on their general behaviour whilst using the internet (in has been processed in relation to the child and adult
particular social media sites). workforce or other workforce employment position (as
specified on the certificate). The Council will also accept
Applicants shall provide proof that they have a statutory DBS certificates for the child and adult workforce or other
right to work in the UK and any applicant that has a limited workforce employment position where the applicant has
right to work shall not be issued a driver licence for a period registered for the DBS Update Service.
longer than that limited period.
All new applicants must declare on the application form
The information submitted as part of the application any convictions, cautions or fixed penalty notices they
process will be shared, when applicable, with other Council have received. All licence holders shall notify the Council
departments and external statutory bodies e.g. Police and of any convictions or cautions received during their licence
HM Customs & Excise. period.
7HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
6 DRIVER REQUIREMENTS
Failure to inform the Council of any convictions, cautions 6.5 Relevance of Convictions and Cautions etc.
and fixed penalty notices during the licensing period may The Council is committed to ensuring that the licensed
result in suspension or revocation of the licence. trade are fit and proper, this will entail periodic audits
of licensed drivers to ensure that any errors or material
A licence will not be granted in the absence of a current changes are identified and acted upon.
Enhanced DBS Disclosure Certificate.
In relation to the consideration of convictions, cautions,
If a new applicant fails to be granted a licence within three warnings and reprimands etc., the Council has adopted the
months of the DBS certificate being returned, a re-check of policy set out in Appendix C. The terms of this policy will
the DBS will be carried out at the applicants’ expense. All have immediate effect, and will be immediately applied to
new applicants will be encouraged are required to apply all current licences issued by Ipswich Borough Council (in
for the DBS Update Service which will enable the Council to so far as they relate to Private Hire and Taxi licensing).
carry out a re-check online and free of charge.
In assessing whether the applicant is a fit and proper
Once a licence has been granted to an applicant, whether person to hold or retain a licence, the Council will consider
as a new licence or renewed licence, the licence holder is each case on its merits. It will take account of cautions and
required to register with the DBS Update Service in order convictions, whether spent or unspent, but only in so far as
that the DBS may be checked online at the next renewal. they are relevant to an application for a licence.
Any applicant for a licence renewal who has not registered
with the DBS Update Service will be required to undergo Those applications or renewals with information indicating
a DBS check with a third party provider and submit the a past criminal record or, any other concern, will be
certificate to the Council in time for the licence renewal. referred to the Licensing and Regulatory Committee which
will make the assessment of whether or not the applicant
Applicants with periods of residency outside the UK is a fit and proper person to hold a licence in line with the
If an applicant was not born in the UK and moved to the policy at Appendix C.
UK after they reached 10 years of age and is not a British
citizen, the Council will need to see a Certificate to prove The policy at Appendix C will also be used to determine
that they don’t have a criminal record in their country of the suitability of an existing licence holder should it be
birth or in any other country that they may have lived in necessary to consider action in relation to the licence part
before coming to the United Kingdom. If these certificates way through the licence period.
are not in English they must be translated by an official
translator with a certificate from the official translator. 6.6 Medical Assessment
The Council recognises that licensed drivers should have
If an applicant has spent six continuous months or more more stringent medical standards than those applicable
overseas the Council will need to see evidence of a criminal to normal car drivers because they carry members of the
record check from the country/countries visited covering public who have expectations of a safe journey; they are
the period that the applicant was overseas. on the road for longer hours than most car drivers; and
they may have to assist disabled passengers and handle
Because of the potential lifetime relevance for some of the luggage and therefore requires Group 2 Standards of
most serious offences mentioned in this policy, the Council Medical Fitness as applied by the DVLA to the licensing
will need to ensure that sufficient background checks are of lorry and bus drivers, as the appropriate standard for
conducted for those applicants that have lived oversees. licensed Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers.
For EU nationals (including UK citizens) suitable checks
should be available. For those countries for which checks Applicants shall provide a completed medical examination
are not available, the Council will require a certificate of form supplied by the Council and completed by their
good conduct authenticated by the relevant embassy. own General Practitioner or by a General Practitioner
who has access to the applicants medical record. On
6.4 National Register of Licence Revocations and first application, at 45 years of age and every five years
Refusals thereafter until aged 65 years when annual examinations
The Council will access the National Register of Licence are required. Licence holders with certain medical
Revocations and Refusals to check if an applicant has conditions (for example certain neurological conditions)
previously had a licence refused or revoked by another may also be required to submit annual forms and adhere
local authority. to additional requirements in order for them to retain their
driver’s licence.
8HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
6 DRIVER REQUIREMENTS
Holders of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and/or Large Goods provided include:
Vehicle (LGV) Licences, where the holder is able to produce • A UK passport confirming that the holder is a British
proof of driving entitlement, shall not be required to Citizen (or citizen of another EEA country – including
undergo a medical examination on first application and for Switzerland);
the duration of this licence. • Passport or other travel document endorsed to show that
the holder is allowed to stay in the United Kingdom and
Licence holders must advise the Licensing Unit of any undertake paid employment;
deterioration or other change in their health that may • Full UK Birth/Adoption Certificate
affect their driving capabilities. If a licensed driver develops • An Immigration Document issued by the Border and
a medical condition that fails to meet the DVLA Group Immigration Agency to the holder which indicates that the
2 medical standards of fitness to drive, the licence will person named in it can stay in the United Kingdom and
be immediately suspended or revoked. When the driver undertake paid employment
subsequently meets the DVLA Group 2 medical standards,
the licence will be re-issued if their DBS and driving licence • A
work permit or other approval to take employment
check remains current. issued by the Home Office or the Border and Immigration
Agency when produced in combination with either a
Where there is any doubt as to the medical fitness of the passport or another travel document endorsed to show
applicant, the Council may make further enquiries of the the holder is allowed to stay in the United Kingdom and is
General Practitioner or specialists before determining an allowed to undertake paid employment.
application.
This list is not exhaustive, and other documents may be
No licence shall be issued until medical clearance (if accepted - further information will be provided by the
required) has been established. Licensing Office on request.
6.7 Driving Standards Test Where an applicant is subject to immigration controls, a
Applicants for the grant of new hackney carriage and licence will not be issued for longer than the period that the
private hire driver licences will be required to present a applicant has permission to undertake paid employment
certificate from one of the Council’s approved driving in the United Kingdom.
assessors for an assessment for taxi and private hire
drivers. A licence application will not be accepted/processed
unless all elements of the application process have been
An existing licensed driver, who has not previously completed.
undertaken a driving assessment for taxi and private hire
drivers, may be required to undertake such a test in certain 6.9 Qualifications
circumstances, namely: All new applicants for a taxi and private hire driver’s
• Obtaining 9 or more penalty points on their DVLA driving licence will be required to present a pass certificate for
licence; the BTEC Level 2 course in an Introduction to the Role of a
• One serious or three minor fault accidents within a one Professional Taxi and Private Hire Driver to the Council.
year period;
• Serious complaint(s) about driving standards; Drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles are also required
to undertake specific training in disability awareness
This list is not exhaustive and there may be other reasons and how to safely load, secure and unload wheelchair
for requiring an existing licensed driver to undertake an passengers. This training is to ensure the safety of both the
assessment. In all instances, a driver will receive a letter driver and the passenger when a passenger in a wheelchair
explaining the reasons for requiring an assessment. wishes to undertake a journey in an accessible vehicle.
If a currently licensed driver does not comply with the This training is to be carried out at the drivers’ expense
request for an assessment, the matter will be referred to and a pass certificate presented to the Council within
the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Enforcement Sub three months of a driver acquiring a wheelchair accessible
Committee (see Section 11 below) for it to determine vehicle. If a currently licensed driver does not present a
whether the driver remains fit and proper to hold a licence. pass certificate to the Council, the matter will be referred
to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Enforcement
6.8 Right to Work in the UK Sub Committee (see Section 11 below) for it to determine
The Council will require all applicants to provide whether the driver remains fit and proper to hold a licence.
documentary evidence to confirm that they may legally
work in the UK. Examples of documents that maybe
9HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
6 DRIVER REQUIREMENTS
6.10 Assessment and the Council will normally issue licences for a one, two
All new applicants for a combined hackney carriage and or three-year period.
private hire drivers licence will also need to pass the
Council’s assessment based on the conditions of licence for However the Council does have the discretion to issue
a private hire driver and the byelaws for a hackney carriage licences of a shorter duration, if it considers this to be
driver. Applicants will be permitted to sit the assessment a necessary given the circumstances.
maximum of three times and if it is not passed within this Instances where a shorter-term licence will be issued are:
time, will be required to wait for 6 months before re-taking • An applicant’s DVLA driving licence expires within the 3
the assessment. years;
• An applicant has a medical condition requiring annual
6.11 Dress Code checks;
It is recognised that the taxi trade, both Hackney Carriage • The right to work expires within three years;
and Private Hire, play an important role in portraying a • It is requested by the applicant.
positive image of Ipswich and are seen as key Ambassadors
for the Borough. 6.13 Code of Conduct when working
It is essential that young, elderly and other vulnerable
Anything that serves to enhance the professional image people are safeguarded and protected whilst being
of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire trade, and transported in a licensed vehicle. Accordingly a specific
promotes the concept that drivers of licensed vehicles are Code of Conduct must be complied with when working
professional vocational drivers is to be welcomed. with vulnerable passengers. This is provided at Appendix E.
It is a condition of licence that drivers adhere to this policy.
To ensure that not only are the above objectives met but,
also that driving is carried out safely, a Dress Code for 6.14 Conditions
licensed drivers has been set. This is provided at The Council may attach such conditions to a Private
Appendix D. It is a condition of licence that drivers adhere Hire/ Hackney Carriage driver’s licence as are considered
to this policy. necessary. These are set out in Appendix F and H.
Employees working for companies operating their own The Council has also made byelaws that are specifically
dress codes will still be required to comply with the applicable to Hackney Carriage drivers/proprietors. The
Council’s standard. existing Hackney Carriage byelaws are set out in Appendix
G. These byelaws will be reviewed from time to time.
6.12 Duration of Licence
All new applicants for licences will be issued with a
combined hackney carriage/private hire driver’s licence
10HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
7 HACKNEY CARRIAGES AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES
7.1 Application Process submit a Certificate of Compliance at six monthly intervals
The Council will consider all applications for vehicle (commonly referred to as a half yearly test). A licensed
licences on their own merits. The procedure for dealing with vehicle cannot be subjected to a half yearly or annual
applications for Private Hire and Hackney Carriage vehicles test more than eight weeks before the due date and test
is set out in Appendix H. certificates must be given to the Council within 3 working
days of the test being carried out.
The applicant must submit the following to the Council in
order for the application to be considered valid: Where an application is made for the renewal of a vehicle
• The vehicle application form or on-line application; licence but the required documents cannot be provided, the
• The appropriate fee; applicant must submit the required documents within 12
• The original of the Vehicle Registration Document (Log weeks of the date of the application or the licence will lapse.
Book/V5) certificate of registration for the vehicle (the new
keeper’s supplement section of the V5 document will be 7.3 Designated Vehicles list
accepted in the case of vehicles that are not licensed at The Council has implemented a ‘Designated Vehicles’
the time that the application is made, and the vehicle has list under Section 167 of the Equality Act 2010 and every
been recently purchased by the applicant (documentary wheelchair accessible hackney carriage and private hire
evidence of the bill of sale will be required). Licences vehicle will automatically be included onto that list. Section
will not be renewed unless the full V5 document is made 165 of the Equality Act 2010 places a duty on the driver of a
available to the Council at the time of application. ‘designated vehicle’ to:
• The original (or emailed directly from the insurance broker/
agent) insurance certificate or insurance cover note for the • To carry the passenger while in the wheelchair;
vehicle (this must be provided before the licence is issued). • Not to make any additional charge for doing so;
• A mechanical test pass certificate from one of the Council’s • If the passenger chooses to sit in a passenger seat to carry
approved testing stations. the wheelchair;
• A current MOT certificate (if the vehicle requires one by • To take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the
law). passenger is carried in safety and reasonable comfort; and
•A basic DBS check that is less than 1 month old in respect • To give the passenger such mobility assistance as is
of every person named on the vehicle licence. Any person reasonably required.
named on the vehicle licence who has a current hackney
carriage/private hire driver’s licence will not be required to Mobility assistance is defined as:
provide a basic DBS. • To enable the passenger to get into or out of the vehicle;
• If the passenger wishes to remain in the wheelchair, to
In addition: enable the passenger to get into and out of the vehicle
Any vehicle not manufactured with European Whole Vehicle while in the wheelchair;
Type Approval will be required to undergo Single Vehicle • To load the passenger’s luggage into or out of the vehicle;
Approval (SVA) testing and evidence of that testing and • If the passenger does not wish to remain in the wheelchair,
the vehicle having obtained SVA produced to the licensing to load the wheelchair into or out of the vehicle.
office. A driver of a ‘designated vehicle’ may apply for an
exemption certificate and this is attached as Appendix I.
The application must be made online or on the correct
application form and all supporting documents completed 7.4 Vehicle Age
in full. In order to impact on air quality it is important to set
standards that are common to all within the vehicle fleet, to
7.2 Grant and Renewal of Licences ensure consistency and a level playing field for proprietors,
The vehicle must be submitted for a compliance test at an operators and drivers.
approved test station. A Certificate of Compliance will be
issued and must be produced within three working days The age limit is critical to the level of pollutants emitted,
of the test as evidence that the vehicle meets the required therefore to improve air quality, standards relating to age
standard. At this stage a vehicle licence will be issued, will be introduced.
subject to the completion of all other elements of the
application process and the provision of a valid certificate of In 2020
motor insurance. All existing licensed non-wheelchair accessible vehicles
must be less than 15 years old when the vehicle licence is
Vehicle licences will be issued for a one year period, renewed and if the vehicle is replaced, it must be newer
commencing on the date that the licence is issued but than the current vehicle and less than 15 years old.
any vehicle aged four years or over will be required to
11HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
7 HACKNEY CARRIAGES AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES
All existing licensed wheelchair accessible vehicles must be 7.6 Vehicle Specification
wheelchair accessible and less than 15 years old when the The Council has set down a series of specifications. A
vehicle licence is renewed and if the vehicle is replaced, it vehicle will need to comply with these specifications prior
must be newer than the current vehicle, less than 15 years to it being accepted as a licensed vehicle.
old and wheelchair accessible.
The specification for saloon vehicles is set out in Appendix
All new private hire vehicles must be less than 15 years old I and for Wheelchair accessible Hackney Carriages at
when first presented for licensing. Appendix J.
All new hackney carriage vehicles must be less than 4 years The specification for tuk tuks or motorised pedicabs is set
old and wheelchair accessible when first presented for out in Appendix K.
licensing.
The specification for Private Hire (Special Needs) Vehicles is
In 2025 set out in Appendix L.
All existing licensed vehicles must be less than 10 years
when the vehicle licence is renewed and if the vehicle is 7.7 Conditions
replaced, newer than the current vehicle and less than 10 The Council is empowered to impose such conditions as it
years old. considers reasonably necessary in relation to the granting
of Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle licences.
All new private hire vehicles must be less than 10 years old
when first presented for licensing. These are set out in Appendix M for Private Hire Vehicles
and Appendix N for Hackney Carriages.
All new hackney carriage vehicles must be less than 4 years
old and wheelchair accessible when first presented for However, where it is considered necessary, additional
licensing. conditions may be imposed. In considering what is
reasonably necessary the Council will take into account the
An exception to the above age limits may be made in aims and objectives of this policy.
respect of the Private Hire (special events) vehicles where
the vehicle is in exceptional condition or is a ‘novelty’ 7.8 Identification of Vehicles as Hackney Carriage or
vehicle such as a vintage mechanical vehicle. Private Hire
Hackney Carriage vehicles will display a white licence
The Licensing and Regulatory Committee reserves the right plate on the rear of the vehicle and a smaller white licence
to make exemptions for vehicles, however, any exemptions plate on the inside of the vehicle. In saloon vehicles, this
will be heard and considered by the Committee. internal plate should be displayed in the front windscreen,
on the passenger side and not obscure the driver’s view.
7.5 Insurance In wheelchair accessible vehicles, this plate should
It is required that all insurance documents must be shown be displayed on the partition between the driver and
before a licence is issued. This requires: passengers.
• A valid certificate of insurance or cover note confirming
that insurance is in place for each driver of the vehicle and In addition, Hackney Carriages will have an illuminated
specifying use as either a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire ‘taxi’ roof sign.
Vehicle;
• A Hackney Carriage vehicle requires insurance to cover Private Hire vehicles will display a yellow licence plate on
public hire and hire and reward; the rear of the vehicle and a smaller yellow licence plate on
• A Private Hire vehicle requires insurance to cover hire and the inside of the vehicle, as per hackney carriages.
reward; Private Hire Vehicles may display the Private Hire Operator
• A cover note will be accepted and the licence will be logo on the vehicle.
issued on the understanding that a certificate of insurance
will be produced at the earliest opportunity. 7.9 Fire Extinguishers
All vehicles are required to be equipped with a fire
The Council will undertake periodic auditing of licensed extinguisher that conforms to the specification as stated in
vehicles to verify that the vehicle is appropriately insured. the Council’s conditions.
12HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
7 HACKNEY CARRIAGES AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES
7.10 Tyres to be taken. In such cases the proprietor is advised to take
Tyres are the vehicle’s only point of contact with the road, photographic evidence of the vehicle’s condition that
so it is essential that they are in good condition. The clearly illustrates the reasons why the vehicle cannot be
Council requires that all licensed vehicles adhere to the driven/ presented for examination.
following provisions with regard to tyres:
7.12 Vehicle Examination and Testing Requirements
Tyre treads are designed to efficiently and effectively Any vehicle presented for licensing on first application
remove water from the road surface and provide maximum will be required to have a mechanical test at one of the
grip. All tyres fitted to the vehicle must have at least 1.6 mm Council’s approved testing stations listed below, all testing
tread depth throughout a continuous band in the centre stations offer a joint MOT and Council test:
3/4 of the tread and around the entire circumference of the CVS, Holywells Road, Ipswich Tel: 216462
tyre. Purlings, Goddard Road, Ipswich Tel: 744333
CATS, Bramford Road, Ipswich Tel: 252381
Tyres fitted to a motor vehicle must be fit for purpose and Go Plant Services,
be free from any defects which might damage the road or Goddard Road, Ipswich Tel: 341444
endanger any person. Fit for purpose means that a tyre Ipswich Clutch Centre, Unit 4/5
must: Cavendish Street, Ipswich Tel: 233288
• Be compatible with the types of tyres fitted to the other
wheels; The test certificate must be handed to the Council within
• Not have any lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or three working days of the test being undertaken.
partial failure of the structure;
• Not have a cut or tear in excess of 25mm or 10% of the 7.13 Taximeters
sectional width of the tyre, whichever is the greater, and Hackney Carriage vehicles are required to have a taximeter
which is deep enough to reach the ply or cord; calibrated with the Council’s fare tariffs. Private Hire
• Not have any part of the ply or cord exposed; vehicles may have a taximeter, but it is not a requirement
• Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle/tyre to do so, which may be calibrated with a Private Hire
manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Operator’s fare tariffs. The Council has approved the use of
Cygnus, Aquila, Digitax, Viking and Halda taximeters. The
All replacement tyres fitted to licensed vehicles must meter agents are:
be new (i.e. not have been used previously on any other Cygnus meters Simon Wallis Tel: 729568
vehicle) and have been fitted by a reputable vehicle Viking, Aquila &
maintenance company /contractor. Vehicle proprietors are Halda meters Tony Kirby Tel: 07880 730908
required to retain invoices /receipts to show that any tyre Digitax meters Darren Craigie Tel: 710720
that is purchased meets this requirement. The fitting of
part worn tyres to licensed vehicles is not permitted. 7.14 CCTV Cameras
Outward facing CCTV cameras that do not record
‘Space saving’ spare wheels must only be used in an passengers, such as ‘dash-cams’ may be used in licensed
emergency, and then only in accordance with the vehicles without the need to notify the Council. Permission
manufacturer’s instructions. Should the use of a ‘space must be obtained from the Council, before installation,
saving’ spare wheel become necessary during a period of for CCTV cameras that record passengers either images or
hire then the journey may continue, but the wheel must be sound or both. must be a system that has been approved
replaced before another journey commences. for use and permission must be obtained from the Council
before it is installed.
7.11 Accidents
If at any time the vehicle is involved in an accident, Once a CCTV camera has been installed, it will be
however minor, the driver must inform the Council of this sealed with a tamper-proof seal. CCTV footage may be
fact as soon as possible and in any event within 72 hours downloaded by the Council, by a Private Hire Operator
(by letter or email). registered as a ‘data controller’ with the Information
Commissioner. CCTV images recorded in licensed vehicles
The vehicle must be presented for inspection at the Council may not be published to the public, via any method,
Offices as soon as possible after the accident has taken without the permission of the Council. Permission will not
place. Failure to present the vehicle for the inspection generally be granted, unless the consent of any person
may result in the vehicle’s licence being suspended until featuring in the CCTV has been obtained in writing or it is
such time as the vehicle is presented for examination. If in the public interest. Any driver who installs CCTV in their
the vehicle is so damaged that it cannot be driven, then vehicle will be required to check with the Information
the vehicle proprietor must inform the Council of this fact Commissioner whether they need to register as a Data
– the Council will then advise the proprietor of the action Controller.
13HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
8 FARES
8.1 Hackney Carriage Vehicles A table of authorised maximum fares will be provided
The Hackney Carriage Table of Fares (“the tariff”) is set to each Hackney Carriage licence holder, which must be
by the Council and sets the maximum fare that can be displayed in the vehicle in a position where it is visible to
charged by Hackney Carriage drivers for journeys within passengers.
the Borough which can be negotiated downwards by the
hirer for journeys. The hirer may agree to the fare for a Drivers must, if requested by the hirer, provide written
journey that terminates outside the Borough boundary receipts for the fare paid.
being charged other than at the metered rate.
8.2 Private Hire Vehicles
A fares tariff is enforceable as a byelaw and it is an offence The Council is not permitted to set fares for private hire
for the driver to charge more than the metered fare. vehicles.
The Council will review Hackney Carriage fare tariffs from Private Hire vehicles that are fitted with a taxi meter must
time to time and in line with the Consumer Price Index provide the Council with a current table of fares. This table
(CPI) for the previous year and in liaison with Hackney shall also be displayed in the private hire vehicle where it
Carriage proprietors. A notice of any variation to Hackney is easily visible to passengers. Drivers must, if requested by
Carriage fares will be advertised by the Council. the hirer, provide written receipts for the fare paid.
9 PRIVATE HIRE OPERATORS
9.1 Requirement for a Licence The day to day manager of the business can be the person
A licensed private hire vehicle must only be despatched to who is applying for the Operator licence or can be a person
a customer by a private hire operator with a private hire nominated by the applicant.
operator’s licence. Such a licence permits the operator
to make provision for the invitation and acceptance of An applicant for an Operator’s licence or every partner/
bookings for a licensed vehicle. director etc of a company will be required to submit a basic
DBS certificate, unless the applicant/company officer has
A private hire operator must ensure that every licensed already submitted a DBS certificate in connection with an
private hire vehicle is driven by a licensed private hire driver application for a driver’s licence.
who is licensed by the same local authority that issued the
vehicle licence. This local authority must be the same as Where an Operator’s Licence is in existence and the
the one that issued the private hire operator’s licence. person who holds the Certificate of Competence leaves,
Any person who operates a private hire service must apply the Operator will need to speak to the Licensing Team as
to the Council for a private hire operator’s licence. The soon as possible. The Council will allow a period of grace
objective in licensing private hire operators is the safety for a replacement to be appointed but communication is
of the public who will be using operator’s premises, and essential.
vehicles and drivers arranged through them.
9.3 Fitness and Propriety
The Council will grant private hire operator’s licences for The Council will only issue licences to applicants who are
a maximum of five years, but an applicant may request a deemed to be fit and proper. In assessing this, the Council
lesser period. will have regard for the following:-
• Criminal records (including convictions, cautions,
9.2 Application Process warnings and reprimands);
The person who will be in day-to-day charge of the • Factors such as demeanour, general character,
business will be required to hold a Certificate of non-criminal behaviour, honesty and integrity;
Competence issued by the Council. In order to obtain • Previous conduct (particularly where an applicant has
this certificate, this person will be required to pass a previously held a licence with this or another local
knowledge test on the Conditions of Licence attached to authority);
the Operator’s Licence, Private Hire Vehicle Licence and • Business practices demonstrated by the applicant (for
Private Hire Driver’s Licence, the pass rate is 90%. instance standard of record keeping, compliance with
other regulatory requirements, financial practices).
To apply for an Operators’ Licence you will need to
complete an application form and pay the required fee.
14HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENSING POLICY
9 PRIVATE HIRE OPERATORS
In addition, the Council may consider other information In addition, a failure to take appropriate action in relation
sources such as the Police, Children and Adult to drivers who persistently breach licence conditions may
Safeguarding boards, other licensing authorities and also be detrimental to the continued fitness and propriety
statutory agencies. of an operator.
If an application is received by a person who is not a The following are examples of circumstances that may
currently licensed driver with Ipswich Borough Council the affect the fitness and propriety of a private hire operator:
applicant will be required to provide a basic disclosure • Vehicles being operated that are in an unsuitable
from the Disclosure and Barring Service. condition;
• Vehicles being operated without appropriate insurance in
9.4 Use of Operator Name following a Licence place;
Revocation • A failure to co-operate with the Council in investigating
Where the Council has revoked a private hire operator’s complaints;
licence, the Operator name will not be permitted to • A failure by operators to satisfactorily address concerns/
be used by another applicant within 48 months of the complaints in relation to licensed drivers/vehicles
revocation.
9.6 Conditions of Licence
9.5 Operator Responsibility in respect of The Council may attach such conditions to a Private Hire
drivers/vehicles that are Operated Operator’s licence as are considered necessary and these
The Operator is responsible for all persons (and vehicles) are set out in Appendix O.
that are employed, used, contracted or otherwise used
in the course of their business. To that end, the operator However, where it is considered necessary, additional
must undertake sufficient checks to satisfy themselves that conditions may be imposed. In considering what is
only suitable drivers and vehicles are used (and continue reasonably necessary the Council will take into account the
to be used) in the course of their business. The failure of an aims and objectives of this policy.
operator to ensure that appropriate checks are carried out
may call into question the operator’s fitness and propriety.
10 FEE STRUCTURE
The legislation provides that fees charged to applicants
can cover the costs of the Council in providing the licensing
services. This includes the administration of applications
and ensuring compliance by licensees within the hackney
carriage and private hire trade and unlicensed businesses.
The fees are reviewed in October each year and confirmed
by the Council ahead of this. However, fees may be
reviewed at any time.
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