Taxi Licences

There are two types of vehicle licence, a Hackney Carriage licence and a licence for Private Hire vehicles.

The main difference between the two types of vehicle is that a Hackney Carriage can be flagged down and can wait at designated taxi ranks whereas a Private Hire vehicle must be pre-booked by telephone or personal call.

The whole licensing process is designed for the safety of the public by ensuring that the vehicles we license are safe, reliable and efficient and that the drivers we license are 'fit and proper'.

What is a Hackney Carriage?

A Hackney Carriage can stand and wait on an authorised taxi rank
It will display a yellow plate to the front and rear of the vehicle
It can ply for hire or be hailed by prospective passengers in the controlling district
It must be driven by a licensed Hackney Carriage Driver at all times whether or not the vehicle is working
Ilkeston and Long Eaton zone Hackney Carriages must have a fare meter and illuminated hire sign.

What is a Private Hire vehicle?

It must be pre-booked with a licensed Private Hire Operator
It will display a white plate on the rear bumper
It cannot stand on a rank and cannot ply for hire
It must not operate independently from a Private Hire Operator
A Private Hire vehicle 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.

For further information on how to licence a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle please refer to Licensing a Vehicle.

Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle Driver's Licence

We issue a combined licence enabling drivers to drive both types of licensed vehicle. It is our duty to ensure that the licensed drivers are suitable and the application process includes consideration of driving and criminal convictions. For information on applying to be a Taxi driver please refer to Becoming a Taxi Driver.

Criminal record checks, knowledge tests and medical checks are all undertaken for each applicant to ensure that our licensed drivers are of a good and competent standard. This embraces our commitment to provide good quality services.

Private Hire Operator's Licence

A Private Hire Operator's licence is required to enable a Private Hire vehicle to be despatched to a customer. Anyone that runs a private hire vehicle must either be attached to a Private Hire Operator or have an Operator's licence themselves.

Any company running only hackney carriage vehicles do not require a Private Hire Operator's licence.

'Operate' has been defined in the act as follows: "Operate" means in the course of business to make provision for the invitation or acceptance of bookings for a private hire vehicle'.

For further information on how to obtain a Private Hire Operator's Licence please see Section 4 in 'Guidance Booklet - Vehicles' in the Related Documents section below.

Taxi Forum

The Taxi Forum is held approximately three times each year at either Long Eaton or Ilkeston Town Halls. It is the chance for representatives of the taxi trade to meet the Council to discuss any current problems, proposals or changes to legislation or policy. It is open to operators, drivers and proprietors.

Items for each agenda are to be forwarded to the licensing section at least fourteen days before the Forum is to take place. Items will only be accepted on the day with the Chair's permission.

The next Taxi Forum is due to be held at 10.00am on Monday 20 February 2012 at Ilkeston Town Hall. Please refer to Latest News for the latest agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.

Changes to Legislation

Changes on private hire and taxi licensing have been introduced by Erewash Borough Council as a result of a change in national legislation by the Government.

Since 28 January 2008 Limousines, airport travel, chauffeur services, novelty vehicles, executive hire, park and ride and other operators must now be licensed by the Council. People hiring vehicles will be safer in the knowledge that businesses are licensed and drivers have been Criminal Records Bureau vetted by the Council.

Vehicle operators not already licensed and working in the above fields must now contact the Council as soon as possible. Businesses and drivers working whilst not properly licensed could face prosecution, with significant fines and costs.

New licensing laws mean the Council can carry out safety checks on vehicles and their drivers to ensure public safety. Further information can obtained by contacting the enforcement officers in the Licensing Section, or by downloading the guidance in Related Documents below.

Further information or advice about Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing can be obtained from the Licensing Department:

Licensing Department
Erewash Borough Council
The Civic Centre
Derby Road
Long Eaton
NG10 1HU

Email:licensing@erewash.gov.uk

Phone: 0115 9071113

Fax: 0115 9072267