Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Application Pack

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver 

Licence Application Pack 

April 2012 

IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING 

"As our customer reception is open plan to enable us to help customers with a wide range of 

services, we will no longer be accepting cash as payment from the 1st August 2010 as it could 

present a risk to our staff if cash was held on the premises. You can still come into the office to 

make your payment by debit or credit card or alternatively ring 01480 387075 to pay by card. We 

are still accepting payment by cheque, which should be made payable to Huntingdonshire District 

Council." 

Pathfinder House St Mary's Street Huntingdon PE29 3TN

This page is intentionally left blank

Contents 

1. NOTES FOR GUIDANCE OF PERSONS APPLYING FOR HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND 

PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE DRIVERS LICENCES 

2. SCHEDULE OF LICENSING FEES 

3. APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE TO DRIVE A HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND/OR 

PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE (See note below) 

4. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE (See note below) 

5. GUIDANCE ON MAKING APPLICATION FOR A CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU CHECK 

AND PROVISION OF A STATEMENT OF GOOD CONDUCT 

6. DECLARATION OF PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS 

7. HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE DRIVERS – 

SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS OF LICENCE 

8. HACKNEY CARRIAGE VEHICLE - SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS OF LICENCE 

9. PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE - SCHEDULE OF CONDTIONS OF LICENCE 

10. PRIVATE HIRE OPERATORS - SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS OF LICENCE 

11. STRETCH LIMOUSINES – SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS OF LICENCE 

NOTE 

The Application Form must be completed and submitted as instructed 

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NOTES FOR THE GUIDANCE OF PERSONS APPLYING FOR 

HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE DRIVERS LICENCES 

ALL APPLICANTS MUST 

1. Have a right to work in the United Kingdom. 

2. Be able to understand and speak English. 

3. Be at least 18 years of age. 

4. MUST HAVE BEEN THE HOLDER OF A FULL DRIVING LICENCE issued under 

the Road Traffic Act 1972 or 1988, (or a European Economic Area (EEA) state 

driving licence) for a period of at least twelve months (a provisional licence is 

not acceptable). 

5. When submitting the application for a hackney carriage/private hire driver’s 

licence, the applicant must complete a Criminal Records Bureau Check. 

Persons who have worked or have been resident overseas in the 5 years 

preceding the date of application for there hackney carriage/private hire 

drivers licence are required to provide a statement of good conduct (See 

explanatory notes at Section 5). The applicant will also be required to bring a 

passport sized photograph which must be: 

 

recent (taken within the last month); 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45 millimetres (mm) high x 35 millimetres (mm) wide (please do not trim 

your photographs to meet this condition); 

taken against an off-white, cream or light grey plain background so that 

your features are clearly distinguishable against the background; 

undamaged, for example, by creases from paperclips; 

of you on your own (no other people visible); 

a close-up of your head and shoulders so that your head, from the bottom 

of your chin to your crown is between 29mm and 34mm high; and 

clear of writing on the front and back. 

The photograph must also: 

 

 

 

be in sharp focus and clear; 

have a strong definition between the face and background; and 

be printed professionally. Photographs printed at home are not likely to be 

of an acceptable quality. 

The photograph must show: 

 

no shadows;

applicant facing forwards, looking straight towards the camera; 

a neutral expression, with your mouth closed; 

your eyes open and clearly visible (with no sunglasses or heavily tinted 

glasses, and no hair across your eyes); 

no reflection or glare on your glasses, and the frames should not cover 

your eyes (you may find it easier to remove your glasses); 

your full head, without any head covering, unless it is worn for religious 

beliefs or medical reasons; and 

 

nothing covering your face. Please make sure nothing covers the outline 

of your eyes, nose or mouth. 

6. Undergo a medical examination when advised to by the licensing office at 

his/her own expense and must meet the medical standards of fitness to drive 

Group 2 Entitlement; 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

on first applying to the Huntingdonshire District Council for a hackney 

carriage or private hire vehicle driver's licence; and 

on reaching the age of 55 years; and 

on reaching the age of 60 years; and 

on reaching the age of 65 years and thereafter annually. 

7. Satisfy the Licensing Officer that:- 

(a) their driving ability is competent and of a sufficiently high standard to safely 

and comfortably convey members of the public; 

For applications from 01 January 2012 driving ability will be tested by 

means of the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) driving assessment for 

private hire vehicles and hackney carriages; 

(b) 

(c) 

they have a good knowledge of the Council’s Hackney Carriage Byelaws 

and of the conditions relating to hackney carriages and private hire 

vehicles; 

they have an adequate knowledge of the geography of the district. 

8. Produce a certificate from a licensed proprietor to the effect that he/she will be 

employed by him/her as a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle driver (see Part 

III of the application form). 

9. Meet the cost of a drivers licence and badge, which is payable on the grant of the 

licence. 

10. Please allow the Licensing section at least one working day to order the badge 

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2 

HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE LICENCES SCHEDULE OF LICENSING FEES 

Effective from and after 5th April 2012 

DRIVING LICENCES (HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE (Valid for one year) 

(a) Initial Issue including drivers badge £75.00 . 

(b) Renewal including new drivers badge £43.00 

(c) Replacement driver’s badge £ 6.00 

VEHICLE LICENCES (HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE (Valid for one year) 

Hackney Carriage (not wheelchair accessible) 

(a) New Licence £244.00 

(b) Renewal of Licence £244.00 

Hackney Carriage (wheelchair accessible) 



Private Hire Vehicle 



Vehicle retest only £44.50 

Replacement Plate £14.00 

Meter Test £15.00 

PRIVATE HIRE OPERATORS LICENCE (Valid for one year) 



PLEASE NOTE: 

"As our customer reception is open plan to enable us to help customers with a wide range of 

services, we will no longer be accepting cash as payment from the 1st August 2010 as it could 

present a risk to our staff if cash was held on the premises. You can still come into the office to 

make your payment by debit or credit card or alternatively ring 01480 387075 to pay by card. We 

are still accepting payment by cheque, which should be made payable to Huntingdonshire District 

Council." 

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3


3 

HC/PHFORM 1 

APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE TO DRIVE A HACKNEY CARRIAGE/PRIVATE HIRE 

VEHICLE 

Before completing this application form, all applicants are to ensure that they have read and 

understood the Contents of the application pack. Your attention is especially drawn to: 

a. Notes for Guidance of Persons Applying for Hackney Carriage and/or Private Hire Vehicle 

Drivers Licence. 

b. Guidance on Making Application for a Criminal Records Bureau Check and the Provision of 

a Statement of Good Conduct. 

THIS APPLICATION FOR MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED IN BLOCK CAPITALS BY THE 

APPLICANT IN HIS OR HER OWN HANDWRITING 

I hereby apply to the Huntingdonshire District Council for a licence to drive a Hackney 

Carriage and/or Private Hire Vehicle operating in the Huntingdonshire District. 

1. DETAILS OF APPLICANT 

Name in full (Insert all forenames) 

………………………………..……………………………………………………………………….. 

Any Previous Names used (for example: change by Deed Poll, Maiden Name, etc) .….…… 

………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

Present Address…………………………………………………………………..…..…………….. 

…………………………………Post Code: ………………. Tel No……………………………... 

Resident at above address from: ……………...……….. 

If less than 5 years, previous addresses during that period and dates resident at each 

…………………………………………………………………………………………...……………. 

…………………………………………………………………………………………...………….… 

Date and place of birth …………………………………………..……………………………….... 

Age …………………….……………………………………………………………………………... 

Height ……………………………………………… Colour of Eyes …………………..…………. 

Colour of Hair …………………. Distinguishing Features …...…………………………….…… 

Next CRB due: 

Next Medical Due: 

BADGE 

NO: 

DATE: 

EXPIRY: 

AMOUNT: 

Payment Code GM11 A08 J1081 

Short Code 10-03 

RECEIPT 

NO: 

CASHIER 

NO: 

*CHEQUE/CREDIT CARD/DEBIT CARD ETC

2. APPLICANTS’ STATEMENT OF HEALTH Please state: 

(i) 

Whether you suffer from Epilepsy or have suffered (whilst awake) from an epileptic 

attack during the past three years. *YES/NO (if yes, please give details) 

……………………………………………………………………………………………… 

(ii) 

(iii) 

Whether you suffer from any illness or condition which might affect your driving of 

either a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle. *YES/NO (if yes, please give 

details) 

……………………………………………………………………………………………… 

If the answer to either (i) or (ii) is ‘YES’ please give your Doctor’s name and 

address. 

……………………………………………………………………………………………… 

3. EMPLOYMENT 

a. Do you have a right to work in the United Kingdom *YES/NO 

(Please read information on page 4 with reference to Right to Work in the United Kingdom) 

b. Particulars of employment during the last five years - 

Name and address of Employer Nature of Employment Dates 

From 

To 

b. Have you ever had an application for a hackney carriage/private hire drivers licence 

refused by any licensing authority: 

*YES/NO 

c. Have you ever had a hackney carriage/private hire drivers licence suspended or revoked 

by any licensing authority: 

*YES/NO 

If you answer yes to either b or c above, please give details: 

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

............................................................................. (continue on a separate sheet if necessary) 

*Please delete as necessary 

3

4. DETAILS OF PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS 

(All convictions must be declared including any official cautions or warnings issued 

by the Police or any other Regulatory Body and motoring offences, together with 

details of any fixed penalty tickets for moving road traffic offences. Continue on 

separate sheet if necessary.) 

Date of Conviction 

Offence(s) 

(including dates) 

Sentence 

(including suspended sentences) 

(Continue on separate sheet if necessary) 

5. DRIVING LICENCE MUST BE PRODUCED WHEN SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION) 

If licence is the new style Photo ID type, then both parts must be produced). 

Are you the holder of a current full licence to drive a motor car 

*YES/NO 

Date on which full licence was obtained ………………………………………………………… 

Are you licensed to drive a vehicle with a manual or automatic gearbox please indicate 

below: 

*Manual / Automatic only 

(Remember you must be at least 18 years of age and have held a full licence for at 

least 12 months) 

6. DRIVING STANDARDS AGENCY (DSA) DRIVERS ASSESMENT FOR PRIVATE HIRE 

VEHICLES AND HACKNEY CARRIAGES 

Driver assessments can be taken at your local Driving Standards Agency (DSA) test centre. You can 

find your nearest test centre on the DSA website using the following link: 

http://www.dft.gov.uk/fyn/cat=-1&TestType=taxi&TypeID=17 

You can book your practical assessment online, by phone or by post. You will need your driver 

number from one of the following licences: a full UK or Northern Ireland photo-card licence; a full 

British old style paper licence or a recognisable full European Union (EU) licence and UK paper 

counterpart. You will also need a valid debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Delta or Visa 

Electron) for online or phone booking or, a cheque or postal order for postal bookings. 

Booking Online 

You can book your practical driving test for a taxi on the Directgov website using the following link: 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/Doitonlinemotoring/DG_197299 

Booking by phone 

You can book over the phone by calling the following number, Tel: 0300 200 1122. Once you have 

been connected to the DSA helpline, the telephone options to follow to book a taxi test are 0, 2, 1, 

1, 4. 

4

Booking by post 

You can also request application forms by phone. You can call the DSA helpline on Tel 0300 200 

1122. Once you have filled out the form, you should post it with a cheque or postal order to: Driving 

Standards Agency, PO Box 280, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE99 1FP. 

More information can be found online using the following link: 

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layerr.l1=1081597476&r.l2=1082103262&r.l3=108475 

6147&r.s=tl&topicId=1082155067 

Data Protection Act 1998 – Privacy Notice – Fair Processing – How we use your information 

Huntingdonshire District Council is registered under the Data Protection Act 1998. This allows it to process 

personal data in performing its lawful business. Information held by the Council, including personal data you 

provide now or in the future, will be processed in compliance with data protection principles. Your personal 

data may be used to manage, monitor, improve, deliver and promote the Council's services. Where delivery of 

services or actions is in partnership with others, or dependent on the actions of others, it may also be shared 

with other persons or bodies in accordance with, and restricted to the terms of information sharing 

agreements and protocols. To protect public funds it may also be shared with other persons or bodies to 

prevent and detect fraud. Further details are available on the Council's website 

www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/privacy If you have concerns about the processing of your personal data by the 

Council you may contact the Data Protection Officer at Pathfinder House, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 

3TN or the Office of the Information Commissioner at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 

5AF. 

I certify that the foregoing information is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, 

true and I hereby authorise the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, 

Huntingdonshire District Council to carry out such checks as he may consider 

appropriate to verify the statements contained herein. I also certify that I have read 

and accept the schedule of conditions of licence. 

Signed ……………………………………………… Dated …………………………………… 


5

7. DECLARATION BY LICENSED PROPRIETOR/OPERATOR 

(To be completed by the applicant’s prospective employer) 

For employees employed on or after 29th FEB 2008 

RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK 

It is contrary to Section 15 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 to employ an adult subject to 

Immigration control if : 

a) they have not been granted leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, or 

b) their leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom is invalid, has ceased to have effect (whether by reason 

of curtailment, revocation, cancellation, passage of time or otherwise), or is subject to a condition preventing 

them from accepting employment. 

Under Section 15, an employer may be liable to payment of a civil penalty for employing an illegal migrant worker not 

exceeding £10,000 per worker. 

For employees employed between 27th January 1997 and 28 February 2008 : 

if any person (“the employer”) employs a person subject to immigration control (“the employee”) who has attained the 

age of 16, the employer shall be guilty of an offence if ; 

(a) 

(b) 

the employee has not been granted leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom; or 

the employee’s leave is not valid and subsisting, or is subject to a condition precluding him from taking up the 

employment, 

I HEREBY DECLARE that, should the applicant be successful in obtaining a licence, I intend 

to employ/engage him/her as a *Hackney Carriage and/or Private Hire Vehicle driver. I also 

confirm that I have read and understood the information relating to the ‘Right to Work in the 

UK Section’ indicated below. 

Signed ………………………………………………… Dated ………………………………………….. 

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

Name of Company/Business* 

…………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………. 


NOTES 

1. It is an offence, knowingly or recklessly, to make a false statement or to omit any material 

particular to the information required above. 

2. The penalty for such an offence is a fine up to £400 and, in addition, any person so convicted 

would be liable to have any licence held by him under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 or the 

Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 suspended or revoked. 

3. When this form has been fully completed, the applicant is to contact the Council’s Licensing 

Office on 01480 388209 to book an appointment to attend the Council Offices, where the 

application form is to be submitted for checking along with a passport sized photograph. During this 

appointment you will be required to complete an application form for a Criminal Records Bureau 

Check as explained in the Section 1 , paragraph 5 of the Contents list in the Hackney Carriage and 

Private Hire Driver Licence Application Pack. 

6

8. CERTIFICATE OF EXAMINATION (For Official Use Only) 

(To be completed only by the Examining Officer) 

CHECKS 

OFFICERS REMARKS 

Driving Licence Details to be 

record from Counterpart Licence 

DRIVING LICENCE NO: 

Valid From: 

Remarks: 

to 

Driving Assessment/DSA pass 

Knowledge of Conditions 

Geographical Knowledge Test 

Criminal Record Bureau Check 

CRB NO: 

DATE ISSUED: 

Remarks 

Previous Hackney of Private Hire 

Employment 

Examining Officer’s 

Recommendations 

DATE: 

SIGNED: 

7

This page is intentionally blank 

8

4 

MEDICAL CERTIFICATE ASSOCIATED WITH APPLICATION FOR 

A LICENCE TO DRIVE A HACKNEY CARRIAGE OR PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE TO 

DVLA GROUP II STANDARDS 

APPLICANT DETAILS 

Surname: ………………………………….. Forenames: …………………………………...... 

Address: …………………………………………………………………………………………. 

………………………………………………. Postcode: ………………………………………. 

Tel No: …………………………………………………… 

Date of Birth: ……………………………………………. 

NOTE (1) 

NOTE (2) 

NOTE (3) 

NOTE (4) 

This certificate is for the confidential use of the Licensing Authority and 

Medical Practitioners are asked to be good enough to forward it under 

cover to the address overleaf. Any fee charged is payable direct by the 

applicant to the medical practitioner. 

The criteria are those contained within ‘Medical Standards of Fitness to 

Drive’ Group 2 entitlement, published by DVLA. 

The standard of acuity of vision is considered unsatisfactory if it is below 

6/9 with one eye and 6/12 with the other eye, with correction if required. 

Uncorrected acuity must be at least 3/60 in each eye. 

A licensee is examined: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

on first applying for a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle 

licence; 

on reaching the age of 55 years; 

on reaching the age of 60 years; 

on reaching the age of 65 years and thereafter annually; 

The report on such examination must be produced. 

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Is this applicant to the best of your 

judgement, subject to epilepsy, diabetes, 

vertigo, sudden attacks of disabling 

giddiness or fainting or any mental disorder 

or defect likely to affect his/her efficiency as 

a driver of a hackney carriage or private hire 

vehicle 

Does he/she suffer from any heart or lung 

disorder or defect which might interfere with 

the efficient performance of his/her duties as 

a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle 

driver 

Are the blood pressure readings – both 

Systolic and Diastolic – normal, having 

regard to the applicant’s age If not, do you 

consider that the abnormal blood pressure 

would be likely to affect his/her 

competence as a hackney carriage or 

private hire vehicle driver 

Visual acuity – 

Give acuity of vision by Snellens 

Test type with and without glasses 

and answer the following: 

(i) was the test conducted with 

the applicant’s own glasses, 

or; 

(ii) Have suitable glasses been 

prescribed 

(iii) do you consider that the 

applicant should wear 

glasses 

(iv) is the applicant’s field of 

vision by hand test 

satisfactory 

(v) does the applicant suffer from 

any other visual defect which 

could affect his fitness to 

drive a motor vehicle (Note 

3) 

Is there any defect of hearing If so, do you 

consider that it would interfere with the 

efficient performance of the applicant’s 

duties as a hackney carriage or private hire 

driver 

Has the applicant any deformity or loss of 

limbs If so could it interfere with the 

efficient performance of his/her duties as a 

hackney carriage or private hire vehicle 

driver 

Reply to be written in this column 

R…………………….. 

Uncorrected acuity 

R…………………….. 

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

(iv) 

(v) 

L……………… 

L……………… 

2 of 3

Is the applicant taking any medication which 

could affect their fitness to drive 

Does the applicant show any evidence of 

excessive or addictive use of alcohol or 

drugs 

Is the applicant in your opinion suitable both 

in temperament and mental health to be 

able to discharge the duties of a hackney 

carriage and private hire driver 

Is there any abnormality present that is not 

covered by the above questions 

Do you consider further examination 

necessary If so, in what period of time 

DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998 – PRIVACY NOTICE – FAIR PROCESSING – How we use your information 




data may be used to manage, monitor, improve and promote the Council’s services. Where delivery of services 

or actions is in partnership with others, or dependent on the actions of others, it may also be shared with other 

persons or bodies in accordance with, and restricted to the terms of information sharing agreements and 

protocols. To protect public funds it may also be shared with other persons or bodies to prevent and detect 

fraud. 

Further details are available on the Council’s website www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/privacy. If you have 

concerns about the processing of your personal data by the Council you may contact the Data Protection Officer 

at Huntingdonshire District Council, Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 

3TN or the Office of the Information Commissioner at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 

5AF 

I CERTIFY, that I have this day examined ……………………………………………………… 

The answers to the foregoing questions are correct to the best of my knowledge and 

belief and I consider the applicant FIT/UNFIT* to act as a driver of a hackney carriage or 

private hire vehicle. 

Signature of qualified and Registered Medical Practitioner 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

Date of examination: …………………………………………………… 

Address: 

……………………………………………………………………………………… 

……………………………………………………………………………………… 

……………………………………………………………………………………… 

SEND TO: 

Head of Legal & Democratic Services, Huntingdonshire District 

Council, Pathfinder House, St. Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, Cambs 

PE29 3TN 

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5 

GUIDANCE NOTES - APPLICATION FOR A CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU CHECK 

AND PROVISION OF A STATEMENT OF GOOD CONDUCT 

1. REASON FOR CHECK 

CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU CHECK 

It is a requirement that all applicants for the grant of a Hackney Carriage and 

Private Hire driver's licence and all existing drivers undergo a Criminal Records 

Bureau (CRB) Check at three yearly intervals. This is known as a disclosure. 

The disclosure will reveal any convictions that are recorded against the applicant 

and will assist in establishing whether they are a “fit and proper person” to be the 

holder of a licence. 

2. HOW TO OBTAIN A CRB CHECK 

Disclosure forms are held by Huntingdonshire District Council. To obtain a 

disclosure and complete an application form, you must make an 

appointment to attend the Licensing Office at the District Council offices, by 

telephoning 01480 387075. 

The CRB requires that your identity is confirmed by supporting documentation, 

details of which are entered on the form. The acceptable combination of identity 

documents are shown below at item 3. The documents must be in your 

possession when attending the Licensing Office. 

The CRB currently charges £44.00 for a disclosure, this is payable by the 

applicant. The Council is required to hold an account with the CRB and is charged 

for disclosure applications. Applicants will therefore have to be in a position to pay 

the Council the disclosure fee when attending these offices to complete the 

application. 

Please note that the charge of £44.00 for a CRB Check is not part of the 

licence fee for a hackney carriage/private hire driver’s licence. 

3. DOCUMENTS TO CONFIRM IDENTITY 

Proving your identity – the documents you will need 

You’ll need to prove your identity as part of your application. You’ll have to provide 

documents that confirm: 

 

 

 

Your name 

Date of birth 

Current address 

You must provide original documentation. Photocopies or documents printed from 

the internet for example, internet banking statements, will not be accepted. You 

need to show at least three documents as shown below. 

You must provide one of the following documents:

Passport 

Driving licence (UK) 

birth certificate (UK and Channel Islands) - issued within 12 months of date 

of birth – full or short form acceptable including those issued by UK 

authorities overseas, such as Embassies, High Commissions and HM Forces 

ID card for foreign nationals 

EU National ID card 

HM Forces ID card (UK) 

firearms license (UK) 

adoption certificate (UK and Channel Islands) 

something that will show your National Insurance number – e.g. 

correspondence form HMRC, NI card, pay slip 

Please note, if you can’t provide any of the documents above, you must provide 

five from the list below. 

You must also provide two of the following: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

marriage/civil partnership certificate 

bank/building society statement* 

credit card statement* 

P45/P60 statement** 

National Insurance card 

NHS card (UK & Channel Islands) 

insurance certificate** 

exam certificate e.g. GCSE, NVQ, O levels, degree 

Connexions card; including those cards carrying the PASS accreditation logo 

(UK and Channel Islands) 

General Medical Council certificate 

benefit statement* - e.g. child allowance, pension 

document from central/local government/government agency/local authority 

giving entitlement to benefits, e.g. to state benefits, housing benefit 

replacement birth certificate, e.g. a certificate not issued within 12 months of 

birth 

vehicle registration document (document V5 old style and V5C new style only) 

documentation issued by court services* 

letter from a head teacher* 

store card statement *

utility bill* - electricity, gas, water, telephone – including mobile phone 

contract/bill 

addressed pay slip* 

mail order catalogue statement* 

financial statement ** e.g. pension, endowment, ISA 

council tax bill for current year (UK and Channel Islands)** 

court claim form** (UK) 

TV license** 

mortgage statement ** 

work permit/visa (UK) ** 

 

 

CRB, Disclosure Scotland and ISA Certificate (UK)** 

one of the following documents from the United Kingdom Border Agency 

(UKBA) (formerly the BIA Borders & Immigration Agency) & Immigration & 

Nationality Directorate (IND) Do not use more than one of the following 

documents: Convention Travel Document (CTD) - Blue; Stateless Person’s 

Document (SPD) - Red; Certificate of Travel (CIT) - Brown; 

Asylum\Application Registration Card (ARC) 

Documents with 1* must have been issued within three months of your application 

date 

Documents with 2 ** must have been issued within 12 months of your application 

date 

Documents without a * can be more than 12 months old but must still be valid 

What to do if you have spent time abroad 

If you have lived outside of the UK over the last five years, you will need to provide 

your overseas address (or addresses). 

If you are applying for a CRB check and currently live abroad, you can use the 

correspondence address of whoever asked for your check, probably your 

employer. Please enter this as your main address on the application form. You 

must also enter the address where you live in the ‘other addresses’ section on the 

application form. 

4. WHO WILL RECEIVE YOUR DISCLOSURE WHEN RETURNED FROM THE 

CRB 

You will receive your Disclosure in the post. A copy of the Disclosure will also be 

sent to the District Council, which has been registered by the CRB, and as such, 

has agreed to comply with the Code of Practice. 

If a Disclosure is received by the Council, that may prejudice your application or 

affect your existing licence, you will be contacted by the Council.

5. WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY DISCLOSURE 

The CRB aims to process 90% of Enhanced Disclosure applications within three 

weeks of the CRB receiving the completed application form, together with any 

additional information requested. 

6. HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON MY 

DISCLOSURE WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL 

The District Council will comply with the CRB Code of Practice to make sure the 

whole process works fairly. 

Under the provisions of the Code, sensitive personal information must be handled 

and stored appropriately and must be kept for only as long as it is necessary. It is 

then shredded. The Code of Practice is published on the Disclosure Website, or 

you can request a copy from the District Council. 

7. WHAT IF I HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD 

Safeguards and guidelines have been introduced to ensure that conviction 

information is not misused. The Code of Practice for Registered persons and 

other recipients of Disclosure information will govern Registered Bodies’ conduct 

and prevent abuse of the system. 

The CRB is working with a number of organisations, such as the Chartered 

Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the National Association for 

the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (Nacro), who have produced guidance 

information for employers on this matter. Information can be obtained from the 

Disclosure website. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from 

holding a licence. 

8. CAN I CHALLENGE THE INFORMATION ON MY DISCLOSURE IF IT IS 

INCORRECT 

Yes. If you think that any information contained on your Disclosure is incorrect, 

please contact the Disclosure dispute line on 0870-90-90-778 immediately and 

ask about the dispute process. 

9. FOR HOW LONG WILL A DISCLOSURE BE VALID 

Each Disclosure will show the date on which it was issued. For the purposes of 

the initial application a disclosure will only be valid for a period of 3 months 

from the date of issue, therefore an application for a drivers licence must be 

processed within this time frame. Should this not be the case a further 

disclosure will be required. Licensed drivers are required to undergo a further 

disclosure application every 3 years 

.

10. Statement of Good Conduct 

STATEMENT OF GOOD CONDUCT 

In addition to the CRB disclosure, persons who have worked or have been 

resident overseas in the 5 years preceding the date of application for their 

hackney carriage/private hire driver’s licence are required to provide a statement 

of good conduct in English covering this period. This statement is provided by 

either the relevant Embassy or Police Force in the Country of Residence and must 

be arranged, supplied and paid for by the applicant.

6 

Declaration of previous convictions 

1. When submitting an application for a licence to drive hackney carriages and private hire vehicles 

you must declare all convictions, both criminal (including any official cautions or warnings issued by 

the Police or any other Regulatory Body) and motoring, together with details of any fixed penalty 

tickets for moving road traffic offences. The information you give will be treated in confidence and 

will only be used when considering your application. 

2. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 was amended by the 

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 2002 (SE2002/441). The 

effect of this order has been to add “taxi drivers” (hackney carriage and private hire drivers) to the 

list of “excepted occupations”. This means that you must disclose ALL previous convictions for 

ANY offences and not just those which are “spent” under the terms of the Rehabilitation of 

Offences Act 1974. 

3. You should be aware that the District Council is empowered in law to check with the Criminal 

Records Bureau for the existence and content of any criminal record held in the name of an 

applicant. Information received from the Criminal Records Bureau will be kept in strict confidence 

while the licensing process takes its course and will be retained for no longer than is necessary. 

4. The disclosure of a criminal record or other information will not stop you from gaining a licence 

unless the District Council’s Licensing Panel considers that the conviction(s) renders you not a “fit 

and proper person” under the Licensing legislation. In making this decision the District Council will 

refer to its guidelines relating to the relevance and treatment of convictions and consider the nature 

of the offence, how long ago the offence took place and what age you were when it was committed 

and any other factors which may be relevant. Should you be refused a driver’s licence on the 

grounds that you are not a fit and proper person to hold such a licence you will have a right of 

appeal to a Magistrates’ Court. 

5. If you would like to discuss this matter please telephone the Licensing Office, on (01480) 388209, in 

confidence, for advice. 

CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU CHECK 

All applicants for licences are now checked through the Criminal Records Bureau. Please see the 

separate information on how to make application. 

DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998 – PRIVACY DISCLAIMER – FAIR PROCESSING – How we use your 

information 




data may be used to manage, monitor, improve and promote the Council’s services. Where delivery of services 

or actions is in partnership with others, or dependent on the actions of others, it may also be shared with other 

persons or bodies in accordance with, and restricted to the terms of information sharing agreements and 

protocols. To protect public funds it may also be shared with other persons or bodies to prevent and detect 

fraud. 

Further details are available on the Council’s website www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/privacy. If you have 

concerns about the processing of your personal data by the Council you may contact the Data Protection Officer 

at Huntingdonshire District Council, Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 

3TN or the Office of the Information Commissioner at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 

5AF 

1 of 1


7 

HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE 

VEHICLE DRIVERS 


REVISED APRIL 2010


TOWN POLICE CLAUSES ACT 1847 & LOCAL GOVERNMENT 

(MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ACT 1976 

HACKNEY CARRIAGE /PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE DRIVERS 


1. INTRODUCTION 

2. HIRE 

In these conditions, unless the subject or context otherwise requires, “the 

Council” means the Council of the District of Huntingdonshire, the District shall 

mean the District of Huntingdonshire District Council, the “driver” means a 

person holding and acting in accordance with a Hackney Carriage and Private 

Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence issued by the Council and “the vehicle” means a 

hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licensed by the Council. 

Words importing the masculine, feminine or neuter genders and any body of 

persons corporate or incorporate shall be deemed and taken to include all or 

any of the masculine, feminine and neuter genders and any body of persons 

corporate or incorporate and the singular shall include the plural and the plural 

the singular unless the contrary as to gender or number is expressly provided 

or unless the same is inconsistent with the context. 

It is a criminal offence to drive either a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle 

without having a hackney carriage/private hire driver’s licence. This also 

applies when a vehicle is being used for social or domestic purposes. Once, 

licensed the vehicle remains a licensed vehicle for the duration of the licence, 

and can only be driven by a licensed hackney carriage/ private hire driver. 

(1) A driver when plying for hire in a hackney carriage vehicle in any 

street and not actually hired shall:- 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

on arriving at a stand go to the head of the stand if it is empty or 

if it is not already occupied by the full number of vehicles 

authorised to occupy it, station the vehicle immediately behind 

the vehicle or vehicles on the stand so that they face in the 

same direction; 

from time to time when any other vehicle immediately in front is 

driven off or moved forward, cause the vehicle to be moved 

forward so as to fill the place previously occupied by the vehicle 

driven off or moved forward; 

remain with the vehicle and be ready to be hired at once by any 

person when his vehicle is the first or second vehicle on the 

stand. 

(2) The driver shall not by calling out or otherwise importune any person 

to hire the vehicle which he is using and shall not make use of the 

services of any other person for such purpose.

(3) The driver shall when standing, plying or driving for hire, wear the 

badge provided, in such a place and manner as to be plainly and 

distinctly visible. 

(4) The driver who has agreed to be or has been hired to be in 

attendance with a vehicle at an appointed time and place, shall, 

unless delayed or prevented by some sufficient cause, punctually 

attend with such vehicle at such appointed time and place. 

(5) The driver of a private hire vehicle shall:- 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

not tout or solicit on a road or other public place any person 

to hire or be carried in his vehicle; 

not offer the vehicle for immediate hire whilst the driver is on 

a road or other public place; 

before the commencement of a journey, confirm the 

passenger’s name and destination. The driver shall confirm 

the fare before the commencement of the journey unless a 

sealed taximeter, which has been approved by the Council, is 

used in the vehicle. 

When not engaged in a pre-arranged booking, must not park 

his vehicle in such a position or location on the public 

highway so as to give the impression to members of the 

public that the vehicle is available for immediate hire. Public 

highway means any highway and any other road to which the 

public has access and includes bridges over which a road 

passes. 

When undertaking a journey that requires the collection or 

delivery of passengers beyond the boundaries of 

Huntingdonshire District Council shall return to District once 

the journey has been completed, unless the driver is 

immediately allocated or has prior booking for another 

journey outside of the District which he immediately 

undertakes. 

3. CONDUCT OF DRIVER 

The driver shall:- 

(1) at all times be clean and respectable in his dress and person and 

behave in a civil and orderly manner; 

(2) treat all passengers with politeness and courtesy; 

(3) take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of passengers entering, 

conveyed in or alighting from the vehicle driven by him;

(4) convey a reasonable quantity of passengers’ luggage, giving 

passengers assistance with this to or from the entrance of any building, 

station or place at which he may take up or set down passengers; 

(5) not without the express consent of the hirer, eat or drink in the vehicle; 

(6) not without the express consent of the hirer play any radio or sound 

reproducing instrument or equipment in the vehicle other than for the 

purpose of sending or receiving messages in connection with the 

operation of the vehicle; 

(7) at no time cause or permit the noise emitted by any radio or other 

previously mentioned equipment in the vehicle which he is driving to be 

a source of nuisance or annoyance to any person, whether inside or 

outside the vehicle; 

(8) At no time discard litter on to the highway. All litter shall be deposited 

in appropriate receptacles. 

4. CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS 

5. ROUTES 

(1) The driver shall not convey or permit to be conveyed in the vehicle a 

greater number of persons than that prescribed in the licence for the 

vehicle. 

(2) The driver shall not without the consent of the hirer of the vehicle 

convey or permit to be conveyed any other person in that vehicle. 

(3) The driver is to ensure that a disabled person in a wheelchair shall be 

permitted to hire any hackney carriage licensed by the Council that is 

specifically constructed or adapted so as to be suitable for carrying 

passengers in wheelchairs at any designated taxi rank in the district 

regardless of that person’s position in any queue at the rank and the 

position of the vehicle on the rank. 

The driver when hired to drive to any particular destination shall, subject to any 

directions given by the hirer, proceed to that destination by the shortest available 

route. 

6. TAXIMETER 

The driver of a hackney carriage shall:- 

(1) when standing or plying for hire, keep the meter of the vehicle locking in 

the position in which no fare is recorded on the face of the taximeter; 

(2) as soon as the vehicle is hired and before commencing the journey, 

bring the machinery of the taximeter into action until the termination of 

the hiring. The sign bearing the words “FOR HIRE” shall be operated

so that these are not legible by persons outside the carriage as soon as 

the carriage is hired; 

(3) ensure, during the continuance of any hiring, that the display of the fare 

on the taximeter is not concealed in any manner or by any means and 

that such display is distinctly and plainly visible and legible to any 

person hiring or being conveyed in the vehicle; 

(4) cause the display of the fare on the taximeter to be kept properly 

illuminated throughout the hiring; 

(5) report immediately to the Council any failure of the taximeter; 

(6) not tamper with or permit any person to tamper with the taximeter, with 

the fittings thereof or with the seals affixed thereto. 

Where a taximeter is an item of equipment in a private hire vehicle, the driver 

shall use the taximeter in a similar fashion to that in a hackney carriage, bringing 

the taximeter into action when the journey begins. 

7. FARE 

8. SIGNS 

(1) The driver of a hackney carriage shall not require for a journey a fare 

greater than that authorised by the Table of Fares in force within the district 

in respect of hackney carriages. 

(2) The driver of a private hire vehicle in which a taximeter is installed shall not 

require for a journey a fare greater than that shown in the Table of Fares 

by the private hire operator and approved by the Council. Where a journey 

is carried out under an agreement with the hirer (a contract of hire) the 

driver shall not require a fare greater than that which was agreed upon 

prior to the journey commencing. 

(3) The driver shall not wilfully or negligently cause or suffer the Fare Table 

fixed upon the vehicle to be inverted or detached or altered or the letters or 

figures on such Table to be in any manner or by any means concealed at 

any time. 

(4) The driver shall not use a hackney carriage in a district under a contract or 

purported contract of private hire except at a rate of fares or charges not 

greater than that fixed by the Table of Fares. (Such contract must be made 

otherwise than with or through the driver of the relevant hackney carriage 

vehicle which it is plying for hire or waiting at a stand for hackney 

carriages.) 

(5) The driver shall, if required by the hirer, provide a written receipt for the 

fare paid. 

The driver shall:-

(1) Not wilfully or negligently cause to suffer the licence number marked on a 

vehicle or the licence plate and in the case of a hackney carriage the 

“TAXI” sign attached to the vehicle, to be concealed from the public view or 

to be so defaced that any figure or material particular is illegible; 

(2) When driving a hackney carriage ensure that the “TAXI” sign attached to 

the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is available for hire but not any 

other time. 

9. DEPOSIT OF DRIVER’S LICENCE 

A driver who is permitted or employed to drive a vehicle of which they are not the 

Proprietor shall, before commencing to drive that vehicle, deposit their hackney 

carriage/private hire vehicle driver’s licence with the proprietor or the hackney 

carriage or private hire operator for their retention by the proprietor of the hackney 

carriage or private hire operator until such time as the driver ceases to be 

permitted or employed to drive the vehicle. 

10. PROPERTY ACCIDENTALLY LEFT IN VEHICLE 

(1) The driver of a vehicle shall immediately after termination of any hiring or 

as soon as practicable thereafter carefully search the vehicle for any 

property which may have been accidentally left therein 

(2) The driver of a vehicle shall, if any property accidentally left therein by any 

person who may have been conveyed in the vehicle be found by or handed 

to him:- 

(a) 

(b) 

Carry it as soon as possible and in any event within 48 hours if not 

sooner claimed by or on behalf of its owner, to the office of the 

Council, and leave it in the custody of the District Administrator or 

his representative on his/her giving a receipt for it; 

Be entitled to receive from any person to whom the property shall be 

re-delivered an amount equal to five pence in the pound of its 

estimated value (or the fare for the distance from the place of finding 

to the office of the Council, whichever be the greater) not more than 

five pounds. 

11. CONVICTIONS 

The driver shall notify the council in writing within seven days of any offence for 

which he has been convicted whether for criminal or motoring offences including 

any official cautions and warnings. 

12. CHANGE OF PERSONAL DETAILS 

The driver shall notify the Council in writing of any change of name, or address 

or telephone/mobile number, during the period of the licence, within seven 

days of the change taking place

13. RETURN OF BADGE 

The driver shall upon revocation or suspension of his licence, return the licence 

and driver’s badge to the Council, when instructed to do so by the Council. 

14. SMOKE FREE VEHICLES 

15. ANIMALS 

(1) The Health Act 2006 (Smokefree legislation) requires drivers of hackney 

carriages and private hire vehicles to ensure that their vehicles remain 

smokefree at all times, even when the vehicle is not being used for 

licensed purposes. 

(2) The law applies to anything that can be smoked. This includes 

cigarettes, pipes (including water pipes such as shisha and hookah pipes) 

cigars and herbal cigarettes. 

(3) Drivers are to ensure that the appropriate no smoking sign is prominently 

displayed in each compartment of the vehicle in which people can be 

carried. 

(4) Failure to comply with the requirements of the aforementioned Act will be 

a criminal offence. 

(1) The driver shall not convey in a vehicle any animal belonging to or in the 

custody of himself, or the Proprietor or operator of the vehicle. Any 

animal belonging to or in the custody of any passenger, which at the 

driver’s discretion may be conveyed in the vehicle, shall only be 

conveyed in the rear of the vehicle. 

(2) The carrying of a blind person’s guide dog shall not be at the driver’s 

discretion and such a dog accompanying a blind person must be 

conveyed at no extra charge . 

16. CONVEYANCE OF DEAD BODY 

A driver in whose vehicle a passenger dies shall notify forthwith the Council’s 

Assistant Director of Environmental Health that a dead body had been conveyed 

in his vehicle. 

17. FITNESS OF DRIVER 

(1) A medical certificate, signed by a medical practitioner practising in the 

United Kingdom, shall be produced at the time of the initial application 

for the licence to confirm that the applicant is fit to be a driver licensed 

by the Council. Further medical certifications to verify the driver’s 

continued fitness shall be produced by the driver on reaching the age 

of 55, 60 and 65 years and thereafter annually.

(2) The driver of a vehicle must inform the Council without delay about the 

onset or worsening of any health condition likely to cause him/her to 

be a source of danger to the public when driving either at that time or 

in the future. Examples are giddiness, fainting, blackouts, epilepsy, 

strokes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, 

angina, “coronaries”, high blood pressure, arthritis, mental illness, 

alcoholism, drug-taking and loss of limb or loss of use of limb. This list 

is not comprehensive of all disabilities that must be reported. Drivers 

who are in doubt about whether or not their health condition is one 

which should be reported should consult their doctor. 

18. FITNESS OF VEHICLE 

Before commencement of duty a driver shall ensure that:- 

(1) The vehicle is licensed in accordance with the Council’s regulations; 

(2) The vehicle is correctly insured as required by the Road Traffic Act; 

(3) The vehicle is in a fit and proper condition to be used as a vehicle 

licensed to convey members of the public. The drivers is to ensure that 

the vehicle is clean and mechanically sound, paying particular attention 

to lights, indicators, tyres and brakes. 

(4) All defects which affect the serviceability and performance of the vehicle 

must be reported immediately to the vehicle proprietor and/or operator for 

immediate action. 

19. WEARING OF SEAT BELTS 

(1) The requirement under the Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) 

Regulations 1993 for a driver to wear a seat belt does not apply to a 

person who is:- 

(a) 

(b) 

Driving the vehicle whilst performing a manoeuvre which includes 

reversing; 

The driver of:- 

(i) 

(ii) 

A hackney carriage which is being used for seeking hire, or 

answering a call for hire, or carrying a passenger for hire, or 

A private hire vehicle which is being used to carry a passenger 

for hire. 

(2) A driver of a hackney carriage can claim exemption from the Regulations 

whilst plying for hire, answering a call for hire or carrying passengers for 

hire. However, this does not include driving to and from his home, office 

or base or at any time when he is not plying for hire. 

(3) A driver of a private hire vehicle can only claim exemption whilst a

passenger is actually being carried for hire and not whilst he is driving to 

collect that passenger. 

20. ADVERTISEMENTS 

The driver of a vehicle shall not place or suffer to be placed any printed, written or 

other matter by way of advertisement on any part of the vehicle. 

21. DURATION OF LICENCE 

The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence may be renewed 

for a period of twelve months (the licensing period) and shall remain in force 

unless suspended or revoked during the licensing period. 

22. COMPLAINTS 

The driver shall report to the proprietor or private hire operator any complaints 

made by passengers. 

23. RIGHT OF APPEAL 

Under Section 52 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, 

any person aggrieved by the refusal of the Council to grant a Driver’s Licence or 

any conditions attached to the grant of a Driver’s Licence may appeal to a 

Magistrates Court. 

NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT IN 

THE COMMENCEMENT OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, AND/OR IN THE 

SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF AN EXISTING LICENCE, OR IN THE 

REFUSAL TO ISSUE A NEW LICENCE.

8 

HACKNEY CARRIAGE VEHICLE 


REVISED NOVEMBER 2008


HUNTINGDONSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL - HACKNEY CARRIAGE VEHICLE 

LICENCE SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS OF LICENCE 


(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

Pursuant to provisions of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and Section 

47(1) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 

(hereinafter referred to as the 1847 Act and 1976 Act), Huntingdonshire 

District Council has made standard conditions which will apply to all Hackney 

Carriages which are required to be licensed under Section 37 of the 1847 Act. 

The legislation relating to hackney carriages is contained within the 1847 Act 

and 1976 Act. 

Further, and in accordance with section 47(1) of the 1976 Act, the Council 

may attach to the grant of a hackney carriage vehicle licence such conditions 

as it may consider reasonable necessary. 

It is a criminal offence to use a hackney carriage within the Huntingdonshire 

District without having a hackney carriage Vehicle Licence. 

STANDARD CONDITIONS 

2. INTERPRETATION 

(a) 

For the purpose of these Standard Conditions, the following expressions shall 

have the meanings hereby assigned to them:- 

(i) the expressions "proprietor and licensee" shall mean the individual who is 

granted and holds a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence 

(ii) the expression "the Council" shall mean Huntingdonshire District Council, 

Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 

3TN and shall include its duly authorised officers; 

(iii) words importing the masculine, feminine or neuter genders and any body 

of persons corporate or incorporate shall be deemed and taken to include 

all or any of the masculine, feminine and neuter genders and any body of 

inconsistent with the context. 

p 

(b) 

The headings in these Standard Conditions are provided for ease of 

reference only and are not to be construed as qualifying, limiting, aiding or 

otherwise affecting the interpretation of the said conditions or any of them. 

3. PENALTIES 

3

If any of these conditions are not complied with then the Council may under Section 

60 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 suspend or revoke 

a hackney carriage/private hire vehicle licence. 

4. THE VEHICLE 

(1) The vehicle shall meet the following requirements and shall: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

be a purpose built hackney carriage, standard saloon, estate car or 

multipurpose vehicle (MPV) finished in the manufacturer’s standard 

colour with a minimum of four doors, or a minibus with no more than 

eight seats provided for passengers and with such seating arranged 

so that all passengers can leave the vehicle through appropriate exit 

doors (one of which must be at the rear of the minibus) without 

undue delay in an emergency; The aforementioned does not apply 

to Wheel Chair Accessible Vehicles which can be found a paragraph 

5. 

be fitted with an engine the cubic capacity of which is not less than 

1300cc; 

have the manufacturer’s standard colour for the vehicle maintained 

without alteration. A vehicle which is painted in two tones of colour 

will not be licensed unless it can be shown that any paintwork below 

the centre body moulding of the vehicle is that which is the 

manufacturer’s standard colour for the particular vehicle; 

be not less than 129.5 cm (4ft 3 ins) in width in the rear part of the 

body. Such measurement shall be taken 15.2 cm (6 ins) below the 

top and 15.2 cm (6 ins) in front of the rear back seats with both of 

the rear doors closed; 

(e) have a minimum leg room for passengers using the rear seat of 21.5 

cm (8.5 ins), such measurements to be taken from the rear door 

pillar to the nearest point of the rear squab; 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 

be fitted with safety glass, ie: glass which does not fly into fragments 

if fractured and capable of causing severe cuts. The safety glass 

shall be replaced as soon as broken, cracked or discoloured. See 

also condition 32 with regard to tinted windows. 

not be fitted with celluloid or other highly inflammable material; 

apart from the driver’s and the specified passenger’s seat which 

must have approved types of seat belts, be provided with a threepoint 

belt, lap belt or a disabled person’s belt for any forward-facing 

seat alongside the driver’s seat, not being a specified passenger’s 

seat, and any forward facing seats behind the driver’s seat as 

required by the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 

1986.

(2) Sports salons, drop-head coupes, convertibles or touring cars are not 

acceptable for licensing as hackney carriages. 

(3) FX4 vehicles (ie: London type taxis) and other purpose built taxis are 

acceptable for licensing as hackney carriages. 

5. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES 

(1) The vehicle shall meet the following requirements and shall:- 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 

be either a London type taxicab or a minibus type vehicle with not 

more than eight passenger seats and at least four doors (including 

emergency doors). All vehicles must be manufactured (purpose built) 

or suitably adapted (converted) to carry wheelchair bound passengers. 

In addition all vehicles must hold an M1 European Whole Vehicle 

Type Approval Certificate or achieved a National Low Volume type 

approval in its final format or has been fully tested to M1 category, 

such testing having been witnessed by the Vehicle Certification 

Agency and must comply with the vehicle specifications laid down by 

the Council in condition 4 above. The relevant certificate will be 

required before such a vehicle can be licensed. 

Only vehicles where access and egress for wheelchairs is confined 

solely to the nearside of the vehicle (or both nearside and offside) will 

be acceptable. Vehicles having rear passenger access and egress 

facilities only will not be acceptable. 

All wheel chair access must be through doors which have a minimum 

height of 1270mm, width 680mm and internal headroom 1320mm. 

Wheelchair passengers must always travel in the correct position as 

recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. 

Wheelchair accessible vehicles are to display on the rear of the 

vehicle the standard sign with the symbol of the figure in a wheelchair 

indicating that the vehicle is wheelchair accessible. 

In the interests of health and safety, proprietors of vehicles are 

strongly recommended to ensure that all drivers receive training in the 

loading and unloading of wheelchairs and their passengers and also 

the care of the passenger in relation to their wheelchair use. 

If fitted a wheelchair lift must comply with either BS 6109 Part IIA of 

CE marked in accordance with the EC Machinery Directive (91/368 

EEC). Certificates must be produced. The lift must also be manually 

operative in the event of a breakdown. 

A purposely designed wheelchair single plate access ramp must be 

permanently stowed in the vehicle in a safe/secure width must be the 

same as the door opening. The edges of the ramp are to be 

highlighted to reduce the risk of trips.

(i) 

All steps, ramps and lifts are to have a slip resistant surface. 

6. TESTS AND INSPECTIONS 

(1) Before a licence is granted for the use of a vehicle as a hackney carriage, the 

vehicle shall be tested and inspected to ensure that it is mechanically sound, safe 

and comfortable. 

(2) Those vehicles which have been granted a hackney carriage licence shall be 

tested and inspected annually to establish their continued fitness to be used to 

convey members of the public. 

(3) An authorised officer of the Council, (usually the Licensing Officer), or any 

constable shall have power at all reasonable times to inspect and test, for the 

purpose of ascertaining its fitness, any vehicle, or any taximeter affixed to such 

vehicle, and if he is not satisfied as to the fitness of the vehicle or as to the 

accuracy of its taximeter he may by notice in writing require the Proprietor to make 

it or its taximeter available for further inspection and testing at such reasonable 

time and place as may be specified in the notice and suspend the vehicle licence 

until such time as such authorised officer or constable is so satisfied. 

7. PROVISION OF EQUIPMENT 

The Proprietor shall cause to be provided:- 

(1) An external sign on and above the roof of the vehicle showing the word “TAXI” on 

the side facing the front and the Company’s telephone number on the side facing 

towards the rear of the vehicle. The roof sign shall be of an appropriate size to 

enable it to be read clearly from a distance of 13.7 metres (15 yards). The sign 

shall be so constructed as to be illuminated when the taximeter is not in use and 

not be illuminated when the vehicle is hired and the taximeter is put into use. In 

the case of purpose built taxi vehicles eg FX4, a sign bearing the telephone 

number of the Proprietor, in letters not more than 5cm (2 inches) in height, may be 

located on the rear windscreen of the vehicle in such a position so that it does not 

obscure the rear view of the driver; 

(2) When a hackney carriage is provided with a taximeter which is not fitted with a flag 

or other device bearing the words “FOR HIRE” which may be seen by persons 

outside the vehicle, a sign marked “FOR HIRE” shall be positioned internally on 

the facia below the front windscreen so that the words “FOR HIRE”, in plain letters 

at least 2.5cm (1 inch) in height, shall be visible from outside the vehicle. The sign 

shall be constructed so that it is illuminated when the vehicle is available for hire 

and unlit when the vehicle is hired and the taximeter is operated at the beginning 

of the journey; 

(3) An efficient fire extinguisher carried in such a position in the vehicle as to be 

readily available for use and within easy reach from the driver’s seat; 

(4) A suitable first aid kit containing appropriate first aid dressings and appliances. 

This equipment shall be carried in such a position in the vehicle as to be readily 

visible and available for immediate use in an emergency;

(5) Both the fire extinguisher and first aid kit are to be clearly marked with the 

hackney carriage vehicle licence plate number 

(6) A taximeter as detailed at Condition 8 below. 

8. TAXIMETER 

The proprietor shall provide a taximeter to be constructed, attached and maintained as 

to comply with the following requirements:- 

(1) Before a taximeter can be replaced, the proprietor is to obtain authorisation from 

the Council’s Licensing Office. 

(2) The taximeter shall be so constructed and fixed to the vehicle so that it is not 

possible for any persons manually to alter the tariff rate without breaking the seals 

affixed thereto; 

(3) The taximeter shall be fitted with a key, flag or other device the operation of which 

will bring the machinery of the taximeter into action; 

(4) Such key, flag, or other device shall be capable of being locked in such a position 

that the machinery of the taximeter is not in action and that no fare is recorded on 

the face of the taximeter; 

(5) When the machinery of the taximeter is in action, there shall be recorded on the 

face thereof in figures clearly legible and free from ambiguity the fare not 

exceeding the rate or fare which the Proprietor or driver is entitled to demand and 

take for the hire of the carriage by distance; 

(6) The word “FARE” shall be printed on the face of the taximeter in plain letters so 

as to clearly apply to the fare recorded thereon; 

(7) The taximeter shall be so placed that all the letters and figures on the face 

thereof shall be at all times visible to any person being conveyed in the vehicle 

and for that purpose the letters and figures shall be suitably illuminated during 

any period of hiring; 

(8) The taximeter shall record the table of fare approved by the Council and no others; 

(9) The Council’s table of hackney carriage fares is to be prominently displayed inside 

the hackney carriage and in the view of persons carried. 

9. HACKNEY CARRIAGE LICENCE PLATE 

(1) A valid licence plate identifying the vehicle as a hackney carriage must be 

exhibited on the vehicle. It shall be securely fixed externally to the rear of the 

vehicle in a conspicuous position on or above the bumper so that all particulars 

thereon are clearly visible from the nearside of the road. They are not to be placed 

in rear windows or obscured in anyway by tow bars or any other item. The plate is 

to be fixed in such a manner to be easily removable by an authorised officer of the 

Council or a constable and such plate shall continue to be fixed to the vehicle 

throughout the currency of the licence.

(2) the licence plate shall be replaced should it be damaged or marked in any way 

that renders it illegible or unsightly in appearance. 

10. WINDSCREEN NOTICE 

The Proprietor shall ensure that the notice bearing the licence plate number supplied 

by the Council is displayed and maintained on the interior of the front windscreen of the 

vehicle clearly visible at all times to persons conveyed in the vehicle. 

12. COMMUNICATION WITH THE DRIVER 

The Proprietor shall provide sufficient means by which any person in the vehicle may 

communicate with the driver. 

13. CONDITION OF THE HACKNEY CARRIAGE 

The Proprietor shall ensure that his vehicle:- 

(1) Is maintained in a clean condition, both internally and externally, and in 

every way fit for public service and shall at all times be maintained in 

a sound and roadworthy mechanical condition. 

(2) Is watertight; 

(3) The windows providing ventilation must be capable of being opened and closed by 

passengers so that they can adjust the openings as they wish. 

(4) Has properly cushioned seats which are maintained free from dust and have any 

holes caused by passenger damage repaired promptly; 

(5) Has the floor covered with proper carpet, mats or other suitable covering; 

(6) Has suitable luggage accommodation and means for securing luggage; 

(7) Has a separate means of ingress and egress for the driver. 

14. USE OF TWO WAY RADIOS, CAR TELEPHONES AND MOBILE PHONES 

(1) Two way radios, car telephones and mobile phones maybe installed in vehicles 

subject to the following:- 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

only ‘hands free’ equipment may be fitted. 

the equipment must be installed so that it is not a danger to passengers or 

the operation of the vehicle; 

no wiring is permitted beneath the vehicle, the floor coverings or entrance 

treadplates. It should be routed as far as possible beneath the headlining. All 

wiring must be suitably secured and the power supply adequately fused; 

suitable mounting positions should be selected and used for the ‘hands free’ 

equipment, where appropriate;

(2) The proprietor shall ensure that drivers are warned that:- 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

they should not make outgoing calls whilst the vehicles are in motion; 

passengers may make outgoing calls whilst the vehicles are in motion; 

when a call is received while a vehicle is in motion and no passengers are 

being carried the caller should be advised to call back later or told that their 

call will be returned. Calls received whilst the vehicle is in motion should not 

be prolonged and should be terminated as soon as possible so that there is 

no danger to road safety; and 

on no account shall they use two way radios, car telephones or mobile 

phones other than hands free sets whilst driving and the vehicles are in 

motion. 

(3) No advertisements, stickers or other medium which indicate the presence of car 

telephone or mobile phone equipment are to be displayed in the vehicle. 

(4) The car telephone or mobile phone number is not to be displayed on any signs 

attached to the vehicle nor in any advertising material used by the proprietor 

including those business cards he uses to present to the passengers on the 

completion of journeys or on request. 

15. WINDOW BLINDS 

Plain window blinds may be fitted to a vehicle to shield passengers from the sun. Blinds 

with any pictures, cartoons or advertising materials printed on them will not be 

permitted. 

16. TRANSFER OF HACKNEY CARRIAGE TO ANOTHER PERSON 

If the proprietor of a hackney carriage in respect of which a vehicle licence has been 

granted by the Council transfers his interest in the vehicle to a person other than the 

proprietor whose name is specified in the licence, he shall within fourteen days after 

such transfer give notice in writing thereof to the Council specifying the name and 

address of the person to whom the hackney carriage has been transferred. 

17. PERSON ACQUIRING AN INTEREST IN A HACKNEY CARRIAGE 

The proprietor shall notify the Council, in writing within seven days, the name and 

address of any person who acquires an interest in keeping, employing or letting for a 

hackney carriage for which a vehicle licence has been granted to him by the Council. 

18. CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER 

The proprietor shall notify the Council in writing of any change of his address or 

telephone number (or if the proprietor is a company or partnership, of any change in 

address or telephone number of the company or partnership) within seven days of the 

change.


The proprietor shall notify the Council of any offence of which he has been convicted 

(or if the proprietor is a company, any convictions of directors or partners) within seven 

days of the conviction. 

19. SURRENDER OF HACKNEY CARRAIGE LICENCE PLATE 

The proprietor of any hackney carriage is required to surrender the vehicle licence plate 

on revocation or expiry or suspension of the licence or when the vehicle is off the road 

for any length of time (refer also to condition 21). 

20. PLATE NOT IN USE, SALE AND SUBLETTING 

If the plate is not in use the proprietor must immediately notify the Council. Once 

notification has been received by the Council, the proprietor will have 28 days to licence 

a new vehicle. If after 28 days a new vehicle has not been licensed, the Council will 

issue proper notice for the return on the plate. The proprietor is not permitted to sell an 

unused plate as it always remains the property of the Council, unless transferring his 

interest (see condition 16 above). The proprietor is not permitted to sublet an unused 

plate. 

21. DEPOSIT OF DRIVER’S LICENCES 

If the proprietor permits or employs any other person to drive the vehicle as a hackney 

carriage, he shall before the person commences to drive the vehicle cause the driver to 

deliver to him his driver’s licence for retention until such time as the driver ceases to be 

permitted or employed to drive the vehicle of the proprietor. 

22. CONVEYANCE OF DEAD BODY 

When a passenger dies in a vehicle, a proprietor in whose vehicle the dead body is 

conveyed shall ensure that the Council’s Assistant Director of Environmental Health is 

notified by himself or the driver of the vehicle concerned as soon as possible. 


The hackney carriage licence may be renewed for a period of twelve months (the 

licensing period) and shall remain in force unless suspended or revoked during the 

licensing period. 

24. INSURANCE 

(1) The proprietor shall ensure that during the currency of the licence, the vehicle is at 

all times insured for public hire use. 

(2) The proprietor shall arrange for a vehicle insurance indemnification certificate to 

be completed by the company or broker who has arranged insurance in respect of 

his vehicle and forward the certificate to the Council, as required, to show 

continuous cover is being provided for the vehicle.

(3) If the proprietor changes the insurer during the currency of the licence, he is to 

notify the Council of the change within 48hrs of that change taking place and 

present to the Council a copy of the new certificate of insurance. 

(4) Proprietors are to ensure insurance certificates and cover notes are retained for a 

period of at least 6 months after the date of expiry for production on request to an 

authorised officer of the Council 

25. CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE 

The proprietor shall ensure that during the currency of the licence, a valid certificate of 

compliance has been issued by the Council’s testing centre. 

26. SIGNS, NOTICES AND ADVERTISING 

In addition to the signs referred to in condition 7(1) and the wind screen notice in 

condition 11 the following signs are permitted: 

(1) The licence plate identifying the vehicle as a hackney carriage (as detailed at 

condition 10). 

(2) The personal or trade name and telephone number of the firm as indicated 

below: 

(a) 

(b) 

For vehicles with less that 6 passenger seats, the lettering on the 

signs and notices shall not exceed 5cm (2 inches) in height). 

Larger signs for vehicles with 6 to 8 passenger seats may be used, 

however all proposed signs and notices must be submitted for 

approval to the Council’s Head of Legal and Democratic Services. 

(3) Advertisements are permitted on, in or from the vehicle and must be 

submitted to the Council’s Head of Legal and Democratic Services for 

approval on a case by case basis. The Council will not normally approve any 

advertisements which depict the following: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

Political, ethnic or religious messages or content which is contrary to 

the Council’s Single Equality Scheme. 

Sexual Content 

Indecent material or content likely to offend public taste, 

The promotion of the sale or consumption of tobacco products. 

The promotion of the sale or consumption of alcohol. 

Any words or image that may indicate that a Private Hire Vehicle is a 

Hackney Carriage. 

Gambling

(h) 

Encouragement of unlawful or anti-social behaviour. 

(4) Any advertisement must not obscure or detract from the Council’s vehicle 

identification materials required to be fitted to the vehicle by the conditions 

relating to hackney carriage and private hire vehicles. Advertisements may 

not be placed on the front offside and nearside doors. 

(5) The Proprietor of the vehicle is to ensure that if fitted any digital in car 

advertising equipment does not emit any sound and can be easily operated 

by the driver. Screens must not exceed 7 inches in size. 

(6) Advertising must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice issued 

on behalf of the Advertising Standards Authority and compliance with Trading 

Standards Legislation. It will be the responsibility of the agency or individual 

seeking the Council’s approval to ensure that this is the case. 

(7) No smoking signs as required by The Health Act 2006 (Smoke free 

legislation) shall be displayed in each compartment of the vehicle in which 

people are carried. 

27. BOOKING OFFICE AND/OR WAITING ROOM 

Any premises which the proprietor provides for public access, for the purpose of 

booking or waiting, shall be kept clean, adequately neat, ventilated, well lit and smoke 

free at all times in accordance with the Health Act 2006. Adequate seating facilities are 

also to be provided in any waiting room. 

28. ACCIDENTS 

(1) The proprietor shall report to the Council as soon as reasonably practicable, and 

in any case within 72 hours of the occurrence thereof, any accident involving a 

vehicle causing damage materially affecting the safety, performance, or 

appearance of the vehicle or the comfort or convenience of persons carried 

therein. 

(2) In the case of serious damage to the structure or bodywork of the vehicle, the 

proprietor shall inform the Council when repairs have been affected so that the 

vehicle may be tested and inspected to establish that its condition is satisfactory 

for continued use as a hackney carriage. 

29. ALTERATION OF VEHICLE 

No material alteration or change in the specification, design, condition or appearance of 

the vehicle shall be made without the approval of the Council at any time whilst the 

licence is in force (see also condition 31).

30. SMOKEFREE VEHICLES 

(1) The Health Act 2006(Smoke free legislation) required proprietors of hackney 

carriages to ensure that their vehicles remain smokefree at all times, even when 

the vehicle is not being used for licensed purposes. The law applies to anything 

that can be smoked. This includes cigarettes, pipes (including water pipes such 

as shisha and hookah pipes) cigars and herbal cigarettes. 

(2) Proprietors are to ensure that the appropriate no smoking sign is prominently 

displayed in each compartment of the vehicle in which people can be carried. 

Failure to comply with the requirements of the aforementioned Act will be a 

criminal offence. 

31. TINTED WINDOWS (see also condition 29) 

(1) Vehicles first used before 1 April 1985, the windscreen and front side windows 

must allow at least 70% of light to be transmitted through them. 

(2) Vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1985, the windscreen must allow at least 

75% of the light to be transmitted through them whilst the front side windows must 

allow at least 70% of the light to be transmitted through them. 

(3) If the glass is tinted to a point whereby it lets through less light, then the vehicle 

does not meet legal requirements. 

32. SPACE SAVER WHEELS 

The use of a space saver wheel in place of a spare wheel is permitted, as long as it is 

a manufacturer’s standard fitment for the vehicle and is only used in accordance with 

the manufacturer’s guidance. 

33. LIQUEFIELD PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) CONVERSIONS 

Vehicles must comply with the following: 

(1) All LPG vehicle conversions must have been carried out by a (Liquefied 

Petroleum Gas Association) LPGA Approved Installer and the vehicle 

proprietor issued with an LPG Conversion Certificate which must be produced 

when applying for either a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle Licence. 

(2) The vehicle must display on the front and rear screens, a sticker stating 

that the vehicle has been fitted with an LPG tank for the purpose of alerting the 

emergency services in the event of an accident. 

(3) The LPG system is to be inspected annually by an LPGA approved installer 

And a certificate confirming the results of this inspection is to be presented to the 

Council. 

(4) The Proprietor of the vehicle is to notify DVLA SWANSEA of the change in fuel to 

LPG.

(5) The Proprietor of the vehicle is to immediately notify his insurance company of its 

modification to run on LPG. 

(6) If the tank containing the LPG is located within the spare wheel well of the vehicle 

then the spare wheel must be securely fixed in the boot of the vehicle. 


Under Section 47(1) of the 1976 Act, any person aggrieved by the refusal of the 

Council to grant a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence, or by any conditions specified in 

such a licence, may appeal to a Magistrates' Court. 

NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT IN THE 

COMMENCEMENT OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, AND/OR IN THE 

SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF AN EXISTING LICENCE, OR IN THE 

REFUSAL TO ISSUE A NEW LICENCE.

9 

PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE 




HUNTINGDONSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL 


PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE LICENCE 


(a) Pursuant to Section 48(2) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous 

Provisions) Act 1976 (hereinafter referred to as the 1976 Act), 

Huntingdonshire District Council has made standard 

conditions which will apply to all Private Hire vehicles which are 

are required to be licensed under section 46(1) of the 1976 Act. 

(b) The legislation relating to Private Hire Vehicles is contained within 

the 1976 Act 

(c) Further, and in accordance with section 48(2) of the 1976 Act, 

the Council may attach to the grant of a private hire vehicle licence 

such conditions as it may consider reasonably necessary. 

(d) 

It is a criminal offence to use a Private Hire Vehicle within the 

Huntingdonshire District without having a Private Hire Vehicle 

Licence. 



(a) For the purpose of these Standard Conditions, the following 

expressions shall have the meanings hereby assigned to them:- 

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

the expressions "proprietor and licensee" shall mean the 

individual who is granted and holds a Private Hire Vehicle 

Licence. 

the expression "the Council" shall mean Huntingdonshire 

District Council, Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, 

Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 3TN and shall include 

its duly authorised officers; 

words importing the masculine, feminine or neuter 

genders and any body of persons corporate or incorporate 

shall be deemed and taken to include all or any of the 

masculine, feminine and neuter genders and any body of 

persons corporate or incorporate and the singular shall 

include the plural and the plural the singular unless the 

contrary as to gender or number is expressly provided or 

unless the same is inconsistent with the context. 

(b) The headings in these Standard Conditions are provided for 

1

ease of reference only and are not to be construed as 

qualifying, limiting, aiding or otherwise affecting the 

interpretation of the said conditions or any of them. 

3. PENALTIES 

If any of these conditions are not complied with then the Council 

may under Section 60 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous 

Provisions) Act 1976 suspend or revoke a Private Hire Vehicle 

Licence. 

4. THE VEHICLE 

(1) The vehicle shall meet the following requirements and shall: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 

be a standard saloon or estate car or multipurpose vehicle 

(MPV) finished in the manufacturer’s standard colour with a 

minimum of four doors, or a minibus with no more than eight 

seats provided for passengers and with such seating arranged 

so that all passengers can leave the vehicle through 

appropriate exit doors (one of which must be at the rear of the 

minibus) without undue delay in an emergency; 

be fitted with an engine the cubic capacity of which is not less 

than 1300cc; 

have the manufacturer’s standard colour for the vehicle 

maintained without alteration. A vehicle which is painted in two 

tones of colour will not be licensed unless it can be shown that 

any paintwork below the centre body moulding of the vehicle 

is that which is the manufacturer’s standard colour for the 

particular vehicle; 

be not less than 129.5 cm (4ft 3 ins) in width in the rear part of 

the body. Such measurement shall be taken 15.2 cm (6 ins) 

below the top and 15.2 cm (6 ins) in front of the rear back 

seats with both of the rear doors closed; 

have a minimum leg room for passengers using the rear seat 

of 21.5 cm (8.5 ins), such measurements to be taken from the 

rear door pillar to the nearest point of the rear squab; 

be fitted with safety glass, ie. glass which does not fly into 

fragments if fractured and capable of causing severe cuts. 

The safety glass shall be replaced as soon as broken, cracked 

or discoloured. See also condition 30 with regard to tinted 

windows. 

not be fitted with celluloid or other highly inflammable material; 

apart from the driver’s and the specified passenger’s seat 

which must have approved types of seat belts, be provided 

with inertia reel, three-point, lap or disabled person’s belts for 

every seat behind the driver’s seat as required by Regulation 

47 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 

1986. 

2

(2) Sports salons, drop-head coupes, convertibles or touring cars or purpose 

built taxi vehicles, eg. FX4, are not acceptable for licensing as a Private 

Hire Vehicle. 

5. TEST AND INSPECTIONS 

(1) Before a licence is granted for the use of a vehicle as a Private Hire 

Vehicle, the vehicle shall be tested and inspected to ensure that it is 

mechanically sound, safe and comfortable. 

(2) Those vehicles which have been granted Private Hire Vehicle Licences 

shall be tested and inspected annually to establish their continued fitness to 

be used to convey members of the public. 

(3) An authorised officer of the Council, (usually the Licensing Officer), or any 

Constable shall have power at all reasonable times to inspect and test, for 

the purpose of ascertaining its fitness, any Private Hire Vehicle licensed by 

the Council, or any taximeter affixed to such vehicle, and if he is not 

satisfied as to the fitness of the private hire vehicle to make it or its 

taximeter available for further inspection and testing at such reasonable 

time and place as may be specified in the notice and suspend the vehicle 

licence until such time as such authorised officer or Constable is so 

satisfied. 

6. PROVISION OF EQUIPMENT 

The Proprietor shall cause to be provided:- 

(1) An efficient fire extinguisher carried in such a position in the vehicle as to 

be readily available for use and within easy reach from the driver’s seat; 

(2) A suitable first aid kit containing appropriate first aid dressings and 

appliances. This equipment shall be carried in such a position in the vehicle 

as to be readily visible and available for immediate use in an emergency; 

(3) Both the fire extinguisher and first aid kit are to be clearly marked with 

the private hire vehicles plate number. 

7. CONDITION OF PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE 

The Proprietor and the driver shall ensure that the vehicle:- 

(1) is maintained in a clean condition, both internally and externally, and 

shall at all times be maintained in a sound and roadworthy 

mechanical condition and serviced according to the manufacturers 

recommendations. 

(2) is watertight; 

(3) the windows providing ventilation must be capable of being opened 

and closed by passengers so that they can adjust the openings as 

they wish. 

(4) has properly cushioned seats which are maintained free from dust 

and have any holes caused by passenger damage repaired 

promptly; 

3

(5) has the floor covered with proper carpet, mats or other suitable 

covering; 

(6) has suitable luggage accommodation and means for securing 

luggage. 

(7) has a means of ingress and egress for the driver. 

8. OPERATION OF PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE 

The Proprietor is to ensure that: 

(1) the driver of the vehicle holds a valid hackney carriage/private hire 

drivers licence (see also condition 20). 

(2) he holds a valid private hire operators licence, or alternatively can 

prove in writing that he has an agreement with a private hire operator 

(licensed with this authority) to carry out private hire work under the 

operators licence. 

9. TAXIMETER 

(1) The proprietor of a vehicle which is fitted with a taximeter shall 

ensure that such taximeter is constructed, attached and maintained 

as to comply with the following requirements:- 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

before a meter can be replaced, the proprietor is to obtain 

authorisation from the Councils Licensing Office. 

the taximeter shall be tested by the Council to establish that it 

operates correctly on the distances stated in the table of fares 

presented by the proprietor for use in that vehicle. A copy of 

the table of fares to be used is to be forwarded to the Council 

at least 7 working days prior to the date of testing. 

the taximeter shall be so constructed and affixed to the 

vehicle so that it is not possible for any persons manually to 

alter the tariff rate without breaking the seals affixed thereto. 

the machinery of the taximeter must be only visible to persons 

who have boarded the vehicle; 

the taximeter shall be fitted with a key, flag or other device, 

the turning of which will bring the machinery of the taximeter 

into action; 

such key, flag, or other device, shall be capable of being 

locked in such a position that the machinery of the taximeter 

is not in action and that no fare is recorded on the face of the 

taximeter; 

when the machinery of the taximeter is in action, there shall be 

recorded on the face of the taximeter in clearly legible figures a fare 

not exceeding the rate or fare which the proprietor or driver is 

entitled to demand and take for the hire of the carriage by 

distance/time; 

4

(h) 

(i) 

(j) 

The word “FARE” shall be printed on the face of the taximeter 

in plain letters so as to clearly apply to the fare recorded 

thereon; 

the taximeter shall be so placed that all the letters and figures 

on the face thereof shall be at all times visible to any person 

being conveyed in the vehicle and for that purpose the letters 

and figures shall be suitably illuminated during and period of 

hiring; 

the taximeter and all the fittings thereof shall be so affixed to 

the vehicle with the seals or other appliances that it shall not 

practicable for any person to tamper with them except by 

breaking, damaging or permanently displacing the seals or 

other appliances. All taximeters must be sealed by or on 

behalf of the Council and marked with the Council’s mark. 

(2) Where a taximeter is used to record the fare for hiring, the proprietor 

shall:- 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

cause a table indicating the fare scale governing such hiring 

to be fixed upon the vehicle in such a position and manner 

that the letters and figures of such table are distinctly and 

plainly visible to any person being conveyed in such vehicle; 

not wilfully or negligently cause or suffer the table required 

under Condition 9 (2) (a) to be inverted or detached or altered 

or the letters and figures on such table to be in any manor or 

by any means concealed at any time; 

not require for a hiring a fare greater than that authorised by 

the table of fares provided under Condition 9 (2) (a). 

10. PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE LICENCE PLATE 

(1) A valid licence plate identifying the vehicle as a private hire vehicle 

must be exhibited on the vehicle. It shall be securely fixed externally 

to the rear of the vehicle in a conspicuous position on or above the 

bumper. They are not to be placed in rear windows or obscured in 

anyway by tow bars or any other item. The plate is to be fixed in 

such a manner to be easily removable by an authorised Officer of 

the Council or a Constable and such plate shall continue to be fixed 

to the vehicle throughout the currency of the licence. 

(2) the licence plate shall be replaced should it be damaged or marked 

in any way that renders it illegible or unsightly in appearance. 

11. SIGNS NOTICES AND ADVERTISING 

Vehicles shall not bear roof signs (whether illuminated or not) or signs 

advertising their availability for hire, nor any other form of advertising material, 

except:- 

(1) the licence plate identifying the vehicle as a private hire vehicle (as 

detailed at Condition 10 above); 

(2) the personal or trade name and telephone number of the firm as 

indicated below: 

5

(a) 

For vehicles with less than 6 passenger seats, the lettering 

on the signs and notices shall not exceed 5cm (2 inches) in 

height. 

` (b) Larger signs for vehicles with 6 to 8 passenger seats 

may be used, however all proposed signs and notices 

must be submitted for approval to the Council’s Head 

of Legal and Democratic Services. 

(3) Advertisements are permitted on, in or from the vehicle and must be 

submitted to the Council’s Head of Legal and Democratic Services for 

approval on a case by case basis. The Council will not normally approve 

any advertisements which depict the following: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 

Political, ethnic or religious messages or content which is contrary to 

the Council’s Single Equality Scheme. 

Sexual content. 

Indecent material or content likely to offend public taste. 

The promotion of the sale or consumption of tobacco products. 

The promotion of the sale or consumption of alcohol. 

Any words or image that may indicate that a Private Hire Vehicle is a 

Hackney Carriage. 

Gambling. 

Encouragement of unlawful or anti-social behaviour. 

(4) Any advertisement must not obscure or detract from the Councils vehicle 

identification materials required to be fitted to the vehicle by the conditions 

relating to hackney carriage and private hire vehicles. Advertisements may 

not be place on the front offside and nearside doors. 

(5) The Proprietor of the vehicle is to ensure that if fitted any digital in car 

advertising equipment does not emit any sound and can be easily operated 

by the driver. Screens must not exceed 7 inches in size. 

(6) Advertising must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice 

issued on behalf of the Advertising Standards Authority and compliance 

with Trading Standards Legislation. It will be the responsibility of the 

agency or individual seeking the Council’s approval to ensure that this is 

the case. 

(7) The windscreen notice, bearing the licence plate number supplied by 

the Council, to be displayed and maintained on the interior of 

the front windscreen of the vehicle clearly visible at all 

times to persons conveyed in the vehicle. 

(8) Proprietors of vehicles must display on the front driver and nearside 

passenger door, approved signs giving the name, telephone number 

of their operator. 

(9) The proprietor shall not describe private hire vehicles as “taxi”, 

“cabs” or “taxicabs” on any signs, notices, advertising material or 

literature. 

6

12. COMMUNICATION WITH DRIVER 

The Proprietor shall provide sufficient means by which any person in the 

vehicle may communicate with the driver. 

13. TWO WAY RADIOS, CAR TELEPHONES AND MOBILE PHONES 

(1) Two way radios, car telephones and mobile phones may be installed 

in vehicles subject to the following:- 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

only ‘hands free’ equipment may be fitted; 

the equipment must be installed so that it is not a danger to 

passengers or the operation of the vehicle; 

no wiring is permitted beneath the vehicle, the floor coverings 

or entrance tread plates. It should be routed as far as possible 

beneath the headlining. All wiring must be suitably secured 

and the power supply adequately fused; 

suitable mounting positions should be selected and used for 

the ‘hands free equipment’ where appropriate; 

(2) The proprietor shall ensure that drivers are warned that:- 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

they should not make outgoing calls whilst the vehicles 

are in motion. 

passengers may make outgoing calls whilst the vehicles 

are in motion. 

when a call is received while a vehicle is in motion if not 

for a passenger the caller should be advised to call back 

later or told that their call will be returned. Calls received 

whilst the vehicle is in motion should not be prolonged 

and should be terminated as soon as possible so that there 

is no danger to road safety; and on no account shall they 

use telephone handsets or mobile phones whilst driving 

and the vehicles are in motion. 

(3) No advertisements, stickers or other medium, which indicate the 

presence of car telephone or mobile phone equipment are to be 

displayed in the vehicle. 

(4) The car telephone or mobile phone number is not to be displayed on 

any signs attached to the vehicle nor in any advertising material 

used by the proprietor, including those business cars he uses to 

present to the passengers on the completion of journeys or on 

request. 

14. WINDOW BLINDS 

Plain window blinds may be fitted to a vehicle to shield passengers from the 

sun. Blinds with any pictures, cartoons or advertising materials printed on 

them will not be permitted. 

15. TRANSFER OF PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER PERSON 

If the proprietor of a private hire vehicle in respect of which a vehicle 

licence has been granted by the Council transfers his interest in the private 

hire vehicle to a person other than the proprietor whose name is specified 

7

in the licence, he shall within fourteen days after such transfer give notice 

in writing thereof to the Council specifying the name and address of the 

person to whom the private hire vehicle has been transferred. 

16. PERSON ACQUIRING AN INTEREST IN A PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE 

The proprietor shall notify the Council, in writing within seven days, the 

name and address of any additional person who acquires an interest in 

keeping, employing or letting for a private hire vehicle for which a vehicle 

licence has-been granted by the Council. 


The proprietor shall notify the Council in writing of any change of his 

Address or telephone number (or if the proprietor is a company or 

partnership, of any change in address or telephone number of the 

company or partnership) within seven days of the change. 


The proprietor shall notify the Council of any offence of which he has been 

convicted including dishonesty, indecency or violence (or if the proprietor is 

a company, any convictions of directors or partners) within fourteen days 

of the conviction. 

19. SURRENDER OF PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE LICENCE PLATE 

The proprietor of any private hire vehicle is required to surrender the private 

hire vehicle licence plate on revocation, or expiry or suspension of the 

licence or when the vehicle is off the road for any length of time. 

20. DRIVERS 

If the proprietor permits or employs any other person to drive a licensed 

private hire vehicle he shall before that person commences to drive the 

vehicle ensure that the driver holds a valid Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s 

Licence, is insured to drive the vehicle as required by the Road Traffic Acts 

and fully understands the conditions attached to both this licence and the 

Private Hire Vehicle Driver’s Licence. 

21. CONVEYANCE OF A DEAD BODY 

When a passenger dies in a vehicle, a proprietor in whose vehicle the dead 

body is conveyed shall ensure that the Council’s Assistant Director of 

Environmental Health is notified by himself/herself or the driver of the 

vehicle concerned. 


The Private Hire Vehicle Licence may be renewed for a period of twelve 

months (the licensing period) and shall remain in force unless suspended 

or revoked. The renewal of the licence will depend upon the vehicle 

passing the annual test and inspection (condition 5, (2) ante refers) 

23. INSURANCE 

(1) The proprietor shall ensure that during the currency of the licence, 

the vehicle is at all times insured for private hire use. 

(2) The proprietor shall arrange for a Vehicle Insurance Indemnification 

Certificate to be completed by the company or broker who has 

8

arranged insurance in respect of his vehicle and forward the 

certificate to the Council, as required, to show continuous cover is 

being provided for this vehicle. 

(3) If the proprietor changes the insurer during the currency of the 

licence, he is to notify the Council of the change within 48hrs of that 

change taking place. 

(4) Proprietors are to ensure insurance cover notes are retained for a 

period of at least 6 months after the date of expiry for production on 

request to an authorised officer of the Council 

24. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE 

The proprietor shall ensure that during the currency of the licence, a valid 

certificate of compliance has been issued by the Council’s testing centre. 

25. CONTRACT OF HIRE 

(1) Where before the commencement of a journey a fare for the 

distance to be travelled has been agreed with the hirer, the 

proprietor or driver shall not require a fare greater than that which 

was agreed upon; 

(2) When the private hire vehicle is equipped with a taximeter, and a 

fare for the journey has not previously agreed with the hirer, the 

passenger(s) should be informed before the journey begins that the 

fare which will be required for the journey shall be as indicated by 

the taximeter and in accordance with the table of fares displayed in 

the vehicle; 

(3) The driver of a private hire vehicle shall not unnecessarily prolong, in 

the distance or in time, the journey for which the vehicle has been 

hired. 

26. ACCIDENTS 

(1) The Proprietor shall report to the Council as soon as reasonably 

practicable, and in any case within 72 hours of the occurrence 

thereof, any accident involving a vehicle causing damage materially 

affecting the safety, performance, or appearance of the vehicle or 

the comfort or convenience of persons carried therein. 

(2) In the case of serious damage to the structure or bodywork of the 

vehicle, the proprietor shall inform the Council when repairs have 

been affected so that the vehicle may be tested and inspected to 

establish that its condition is satisfactory for continued use as a 

private hire vehicle. 

27. ALTERATION TO VEHICLE 

No material alteration or change in the manufacturer’s specification, design, 

condition or appearance of the vehicle shall be made without the approval 

Of the Council at any time whilst the licence is in force (see also condition 

30). 

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28. SMOKEFREE VEHICLES 

(1) The Health Act 2006 (Smoke free legislation) requires proprietors of 

private hire vehicles to ensure that their vehicles remain smoke free 

at all times, even when the vehicle is not being used for licensed purposes. 

The law applies to anything that can be smoked. This includes cigarettes, 

pipes (including water pipes such as shisha and hookah pipes) cigars and 

herbal cigarettes. 

(2) Proprietors are to ensure that the appropriate no smoking sign is 

prominently displayed in each compartment of the vehicle in which 

people are carried. Failure to comply with the requirements of the 

aforementioned Act will be a criminal offence. 

29. DEPOSIT OF DRIVERS AND VEHICLE LICENCES WITH OPERATOR 

(1) Proprietors of private hire vehicles who do not have their own private 

hire operator's licence are to deposit their drivers and vehicle 

licences and any subsequent renewal of their licences with their 

operator. This also applies to any person they employ or permit to 

drive any such vehicle. The licences are to be returned to driver’s 

or proprietor’s once they cease to operate under the operators 

licence, or the driver is no longer permitted or employed by the 

proprietor to drive any such vehicle. 

30. TINTED WINDOWS (see also condition 27) 

(1) Vehicles first used before 1 April 1985, the windscreen and front side 

windows must allow at least 70% of light to be transmitted through 

them. 

(2) Vehicles first used on or after 1 April 1985, the windscreen must 

allow at least 75% of the light to be transmitted through them whilst 

the front side windows must allow at least 70% of the light to be 

transmitted through them. 

3) If the glass is tinted to a point whereby it lets through less light, then 

the vehicle does not meet legal requirements. 

31. SPACE SAVER WHEELS 

The use of a space saver wheel in place of a spare wheel is permitted, as 

long as it is a manufacturer’s standard fitment for the vehicle and is only 

used in accordance with the manufacturers guidance 

32. LIQUEFIELD PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) CONVERSIONS 

Vehicles must comply with the following: 

(1) All LPG vehicle conversions must have been carried out by a (Liquefield 

Petroleum Gas Association) LPGA Approved installer and the vehicle 

proprietor issued with an LPG Conversion Certificate which must be 

produced when applying for either a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire 

Vehicle Licence. 

(2) The vehicle must display on the gront and rear screens, a sticker stating 

that the vehicle has been fitted with an LPG tank for the purpose of alerting 

the emergency services in the event of an accident. 

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(3) The LPG system is to be inspected annually by an LPGA approved 

installer. 

(4) The Proprietor of the vehicle is to notify DVLA SWANSEA of the change in 

fuel to LPG. 

(5) The proprietor of the vehicle is to immediately notify his insurance company 

of its modification to run on LPG. 

(6) If the tank containing the LPG is located within the spare wheel well of the 

vehicle then the spare wheel must be securely fixed in the boot of the 

vehicle. 


Under Section 48(7) of the 1976 Act, any person aggrieved by the refusal of 

the Council to grant a Private Hire Vehicle Licence, or by any conditions 

specified in such a licence, may appeal to a Magistrates' Court. 

NOTE: 

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT 

IN THE COMMENCEMENT OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, AND/OR IN 

THE SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF AN EXISTING LICENCE, OR IN 

THE REFUSAL TO ISSUE A NEW LICENCE. 

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12

10 

PRIVATE HIRE OPERATORS 






PRIVATE HIRE OPERATOR’S LICENCE 


(a) Pursuant to Section 55(3) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous 

Provisions) Act 1976 (hereinafter referred to as the 1976 Act), will 

apply to all Operators of Private Hire Vehicles, which are required to be 

licensed under Section 46(1) of the aforementioned Act. 

(b) The legislation relating to Private Hire Vehicle Operators is contained 

within the 1976 Act. 

(c) Further and in accordance with section 55(3) of the 1976 Act, the Council 

may attached to the grant of a Private Hire Operators licence such 

conditions as it may consider reasonably necessary 

(d) It is a criminal offence to operate a Private Hire Vehicle within the 

Huntingdonshire District without having a Private Hire Operator's Licence. 

(e) Under the 1976 Act, "operate" is defined as meaning in the course of 

business to make provisionfor the invitation or acceptance of bookings for 

a Private Hire Vehicle. 



(a) For the purpose of these Standard Conditions, the following expressions 

shall have the meanings hereby assigned to them:- 

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 

the expressions "operator and licensee or licensees" shall mean 

the individual who is granted and holds a Private Hire Operator’s 

Licence. 

the expression "the Council" shall mean Huntingdonshire 

District Council, Pathfinder House, St Mary’s Street, 

Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE29 3TN and shall include 

its duly authorised officers; 

words importing the masculine, feminine or neuter 

genders and any body of persons corporate or incorporate shall be 

deemed and taken to include all or any of the masculine, feminine 

and neuter genders and any body of persons corporate or 

incorporate and the singular shall include the plural and the plural 

the singular unless the contrary as to gender or number is 

expressly provided or unless the same is inconsistent with the 

context. 

1

(b) The headings in these Standard Conditions are provided for ease of 

reference only and are not to be construed as qualifying, limiting, aiding 

or otherwise affecting the interpretation of the said conditions or any of 

them. 

3. PENALTIES 

If any of these conditions are not complied with then the Council may under 

Section 62 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 

suspend or revoke a Private Hire Operators Licence. 

4. STANDARD OF SERVICE 

The Operator shall provide a prompt, efficient and reliable service to 

members of the public at all reasonable times and for this purpose shall:- 

(1) ensure that when a vehicle has been hired to be in attendance at an 

appointed time and place the vehicle shall, unless delayed or 

prevented by reasonable cause, punctually attend at that appointed 

time and place; 

(2) keep clean, adequately heated, ventilated and lit any premises which 

the Operator provides and to which the public have access, whether 

for the purpose of booking or waiting (see also condition18). 

(3) ensure that any waiting area provided by the Operator has adequate 

seating facilities; 

(4) ensure that any telephone facilities and radio equipment provided 

are maintained in a sound condition and that any defects are 

repaired promptly; 

(5) not in advertising by signs, printed words, broadcasts or by any other 

media use the words “Hackney Carriage”, “Taxi” or “Taxi Cab” to 

describe the private hire service he offers; 

(6) ensure that the drivers and proprietors of vehicles which he operates 

maintain their vehicles in a clean condition (internally and externally) 

and that the vehicles are safe, mechanically sound and comfortable 

for use by hirers (see also condition18). 

5. RECORDS 

(1) The Operator shall be responsible for maintaining at his premises 

particulars of all vehicles operated by him, which shall include the 

following:- 

(a) 

(b) 

the call signs or other identifying marks used on booking 

records; 

the vehicles’ licence plate numbers; 

2

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 

the vehicles’ registration numbers; 

the names and addresses of the proprietors of the vehicles; 

details of the valid current certificates of insurance or security 

for the vehicle; 

details of the motor vehicle test certificates for the vehicles, 

where appropriate; 

the names and addresses of drivers, together with their badge 

numbers 

The aforementioned records must be correctly maintained 

and up to date at all times. 

(2) A record of bookings for all private hire vehicles operating under the 

Operators licence ( whether the Operator is the proprietor of the 

vehicle or not) is required to be maintained by the Operator in 

accordance with the provisions of Section 56 (2) of the Local 

Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. These records 

are to be set out in accordance with the following format and 

retained for a period of not less than six months from the date of the 

last entry: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

(g) 

(h) 

(i) 

(j) 

(k) 

the time and date of each booking; 

the name of the hirer; 

how the booking was made (ie, by telephone or personal call) 

the time and date of pick-up required; 

the point of pick-up required; 

the destination; 

the cost of fare quoted for the journey (where appropriate); 

the name and badge number of the driver allocated to the 

booking; 

the time at which a driver was allocated to the booking; 

the Private Hire Vehicle Licence number of the vehicle 

allocated; 

any remarks (including reference to contract or sub-contract 

work). 

3

6. DRIVERS 

(1) The Operator must ensure that hirers of his private hire vehicles 

which he operates are treated politely and courteously by the drivers 

whom he employs or permits to drive for his company. 

(2) The Operator must advise all drivers, diving vehicles operating under 

his licence that, while on duty and being in charge of licensed 

vehicles, they shall not ply for hire or otherwise:- 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

tout or solicit on a road or other public place any person to 

hire or be carried in any private hire vehicle; 

cause or procure any other person to tout or solicit on any 

road or other public place, any person to hire or be carried in 

any private hire vehicle; 

offer the vehicle for immediate hire while on a road or public 

place. 

7. TAXIMETER 

(1) The Operator shall ensure that all Proprietors and Drivers of vehicles 

which are fitted with taximeters comply with Condition 6 of the 

Schedule of Conditions attached to Private Hire Vehicle Licences 

and Conditions 5, 6 and 7 of the Schedule of Conditions attached to 

Driver’s Licences. 

(2) The Operator shall not tamper with nor permit anyone to tamper with 

any taximeter with which a vehicle equipped. 

8. CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS 

The Operator shall not accept a booking for a vehicle to convey any greater 

number of persons than the number of persons which such vehicle is 

licensed to convey. 

9. INFORMATION AS TO CHARGES 

No Operator of a private hire vehicle which is licensed by the Council shall 

invite or accept a booking for such vehicle, or control or arrange a journey 

to be undertaken by such vehicle, without first drawing the attention either 

orally or in writing to the person making the booking, information as to the 

basis of charge and the cost for the hire of the vehicle. The Operator shall 

ensure that such information is passed to the driver who will not be 

permitted to charge more than the agreed cost for the hiring. 

10. PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE LICENCE PLATE AND WINDSCREEN NOTICES 

The Operator shall not wilfully nor negligently cause or suffer the Licence 

Plate attached to a vehicle or the windscreen notice inside the vehicle to be 

4

concealed from public view or to be so defaced that any figure or material 

particular is illegible. The plate is to be securely attached to the private hire 

vehicle in accordance with conditions 10 (1) of the private hire vehicle 

schedule of conditions of licence. 

11. COMPLAINTS 

(1) The Operator shall immediately upon receipt notify the Council in 

writing of any complaints concerning a contract for hire or purported 

contract for hire relating to or arising from his business and of the 

action (if any) which he/she has taken or proposed to take in respect 

thereof. 

(2) Any complaint shall be investigated immediately by the Operator and 

the complainant and the Council notified of the outcome within 24 

hours. 

(3) Where a complaint is investigated by an authorised officer of the 

Council the Operator shall conform to any directions of the officer in 

respect of the complaint. 


The Operator shall within seven days disclose to the Council in writing 

details of any conviction imposed on him (or if the Operator is a company or 

partnership, on any of the directors or partners) during the period of the 

licence. 


The Operator shall notify the Council in writing of any change of his address 

or telephone number (including any address or telephone number from 

which he operates or otherwise conducts his/her business as an Operator) 

during the period of the licence within seven days of such change taking 

place. 

14. ACCIDENTS 

(1) The Operator shall report to the Council as soon as reasonably 

practicable, and in any case within 72 hours of the occurrence 

thereof, any accident which causes damage materially affecting the 

safety, performance, or appearance of the vehicle or the comfort or 

convenience of persons carried therein. 

(2) In the case of serious damage to the structure or bodywork of the 

vehicle, the operator shall inform the Council when repairs have 

been affected so that the vehicle may be tested and inspected to 

establish that its condition is satisfactory for continued use as a 

Private Hire Vehicle. 

5


The Private Hire Operator’s Licence may be renewed for a period of twelve 

months and shall remain in force unless suspended or revoked during the 

licensing period. 

16. WRITTEN RECEIPTS 

Operators are to ensure that drivers provide receipts if requested to do so 

by passengers 

17. RETENTION OF VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENCES 

Operators are to ensure that they hold the private hire vehicle licence for 

any vehicle he is operating, whether they are the proprietor or not and the 

private hire driver’s licence for any driver who is driving in any such vehicle. 

18. SMOKEFREE PREMISES AND VEHICLES 

(1) Operators who provide an office which is used as a workplace by 

more than one person or if members of the public and employees 

visit the premises must ensure that the premises remain smoke free 

at all times. 

(2) Operators of private hire vehicles are to ensure that all vehicles 

whether owned by them or not which operate under their licence 

remain smoke free at all times, even when not being used for 

licensed purposes. 

(3) Operators of smoke free premises and vehicles will have legal 

responsibilities to prevent smoking and to ensure that the 

appropriate no-smoking signs are displayed as required by The 

Health Act 2006 (Smoke free legislation). 

(4) The law applies to anything that can be smoked. This includes 

cigarettes, pipes (including water pipes such as shish and hookah 

pipes) cigars and herbal cigarettes. 

(5) Failure to comply with the requirements of the aforementioned Act will 

be a criminal offence. 


Under Section 55 of the 1976 Act, any person aggrieved by the refusal of the 

Council to grant a Private Hire Vehicle Operator's Licence, or any conditions 

attached to the grant of a Private Hire Vehicle Operator's Licence, may 

appeal to the Magistrates' Court. 

NOTE: 

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT 

IN THECOMMENCEMENT OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS AND/OR IN 

THE SUSPENSION, REVOCATION OF AN EXISTING LICENCE OR IN 

THE REFUSAL TO ISSUE A NEW LICENCE 

6

11 

STRETCH LIMOUSINES 


INTRODUCED JUNE 2011 

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8


STRETCH LIMOUSINES – SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS OF LICENCE 

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS 

1. The general conditions imposed by Huntingdonshire District Council 

(hereafter referred to as the Council) for Private Hire Vehicle Operators, 

Drivers and Vehicles will be applicable to the licensing of stretch limousines 

unless amended by the following provisions. 

1.2 The type of work undertaken by stretch limousines will differ significantly 

from that of regular private hire work in that the vehicle will only be licensed 

for the carriage of passengers for special events, examples of which are: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prom nights 

Theatre trips 

Hen nights 

Stag nights 

Party trips 

Race days 

or any other similar events considered by the Council to be special in 

nature. However, vehicles use solely for weddings and funerals are exempt 

from the requirements of private hire licensing. 

2. PRIVATE HIRE OPERATOR’S LICENCE 

2.1 Persons taking bookings for private hire work using stretch limousines will 

be required to hold a private hire operator’s licence issued by the Council. 

2.2 All bookings of a limousine for use as a private hire vehicle must be made 

through a licensed private hire operator. Any vehicle licensed by the 

Council will only be used for hire under the terms of a private hire 

operator’s licence already issued or granted to an operator within the 

District or to any new licensed operator. 

3. PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE DRIVERS LICENCE 

3.1 Any person driving a stretch limousine for private hire will be required to be 

licensed as a private hire driver by the Council. 

1

4. DEFINITION OF A STRETCH LIMOUSINE 

4.1 A stretch limousine is defined as a motor vehicle that has been lengthened 

by the insertion of an additional body section and modified by an authorised 

coachbuilder that is capable of carrying up to but not exceeding 8 

passengers. There will be no age limit for first registration and no maximum 

upper age limit, subject to the vehicle being mechanically and physically 

maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Council’s standard 

conditions relating to private hire vehicles as referred to in paragraph 1 

above. 

4.2 Once licensed as a private hire vehicle, the limousine will be subject to any 

statutory requirements imposed by Part II of the Local Government 

(Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. 

4.3 Stretch limousines will be regarded as luxury vehicles used for special 

events. The use of such a vehicle for standard private hire work is not 

considered to be appropriate. 

5. VEHICLE TESTING 

5.1 A stretched limousine vehicle will be subject to a twice yearly mechanical 

examination at intervals to be specified by the Council at its authorised 

testing station to determine its safety and suitability for the type of work for 

which it is to be licensed. This will apply to all stretched limousines 

regardless of age, date of import or date of registration. A licence for a 

stretched limousine will be issued for a period of 6 months only, 

renewal subject to a satisfactory retest. 

Please note: The fee for these tests will be included in the licence fee 

charged at half the standard annual licence fee rate in force at that 

time for private hire vehicles. For example: 

These are fictitious figures: 

Standard annual licence and test fees for a standard private hire 

vehicle: 

a. Standard annual licence fee element (not including test fee) £150 

b. Test fee £ 50 

c. Total £200 

6 monthly tests for stretch limousines: 

a. Standard 6 monthly licence fee element (not including test fee) £75 

b. Test fee £ 50 

c. Total £125 

2

5.2 The Vehicle Registration Document V5 must indicate in the field “Type 

Approval Number” that it has undergone one of the following approvals and 

meets the technical standards of either: 

 

 

 

a European Whole Vehicle Type approval, or 

a British National Type approval, or 

an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) (formerly known as the 

Single Vehicle Approval scheme (SVA). 

5.3 Where applicable, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate shall 

display ‘1L1’ to confirm conversion completed by an authorised dealer. 

5.4 Documentation is to be provided proving that the ‘stretch’ was performed by 

the manufacturer or by a coachbuilder approved by the vehicle 

manufacturer e.g. American limousines must have been built by an 

approved coachbuilder under the QVM programme for Ford Vehicles or the 

CMC programme for Cadillac Vehicles. 

5.5 A plate on the door pillar shall confirm the total weight of the vehicle. 

5.6 DVLA V5 or equivalent shall be produced to authenticate registration. 

6. VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS 

6.1 Given the increased weight of the vehicle, tyres of the correct weight and 

size rating must be used at all times. The limousine must be fitted with 

tyres that meet the appropriate specification for both the size and weight of 

the vehicle, such as 235/75R-15 108D (BF Load) or 225/70R-16 107T 

Town Car Limo Tyre (Reinforced). 

6.2 Where applicable, an installation certificate must be produced from a 

Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (LPGA) Approved UK Vehicle 

Conversion Company, in the case of vehicles converted to run on LPG. 

6.3 The vehicle must display a valid road vehicle excise licence disc. 

6.4 Vehicles may either be left or right hand drive. 

6.5 Vehicles must be fitted with at least 4 doors. 

6.6 All seats shall be fitted with appropriate seat belts, which must be fitted in 

accordance with the current Road Vehicle (Construction & Use) 

Regulations. 

6.7 Any sunroofs fitted must be securely fastened in a locked position so that 

passengers are unable to tamper with them. Passengers must not be 

allowed to exhibit any parts of their anatomy through such openings. 

6.8 Stretch limousines with heavily tinted glass in the windows behind the 

driver’s cockpit will be considered for licensing. Glass in the driver cockpit 

must satisfy the current legal requirements. Tinted glass shall conform to 

3

the legal requirements as laid down by the Vehicle Operators Services 

Agency (VOSA). 

7. PASSENGERS 

7.1 The limousine’s seating capacity must have been reduced where 

necessary to a maximum of 8 passengers. 

7.2 The vehicle must not carry more than 8 passengers at any time and for this 

purpose a babe in arms will be classed as a passenger no matter what their 

age. 

7.3 Where passengers in the vehicle consist of persons under the age of 16 

years they must be accompanied by a responsible adult, other than the 

driver, who is over the age of 18 years. 

7.4 Passengers must not be carried in the front compartment. 

8. INSURANCE 

8.1 The vehicle must have ‘hire and reward insurance’ to carry out private hire 

work and a fully policy of insurance must be presented before the vehicle is 

licensed. 

8.2 No intoxicating liquor shall be provided in the vehicle unless there is in force 

an appropriate licence under the Licensing Act 2003 permitting the sale or 

supply of the same. 

9. ALCOHOL 

9.1 Alcohol shall only be served while the vehicle is stationary and afterwards 

all bottles shall be placed in a secure receptacle. 

9.2 If there are any passenger’s below the age of 18, then there shall be no 

alcohol on the vehicle. 

9.3 Any ’glassware’ in the vehicle must be made of either shatterproof glass or 

plastic. 

10. ENTERTAINMENT 

10.1 The driver shall not play or permit the performance of any media which, 

because of its age restricted classification or its content, is unsuitable for 

the age of the passengers in the vehicle (based on the age of the youngest 

passenger). 

10.2 Entertainment provided in the vehicle shall be under the terms of any 

relevant legislative requirements. Activities which are prohibited within the 

vehicle are: 

 

Striptease 

4

Lap Dancing 

Pole Dancing 

Any other activity or performance of a like kind. 

The driver of the vehicle shall not knowingly permit to be played any 

video, DVD or other recording image that is unsuitable having regard 

to the age of passengers being conveyed. In deciding what a 

suitable regard shall be, the driver must take notice of the 

classification of the video, DVD or recorded image awarded by the 

British Board of Film Classification 

11. ADVERTISMENTS 

11.1 No signs, notices or any other markings will be displayed on or in the 

Vehicle without the written permission of the Council. There is no 

requirement for the vehicle to display a door sign denoting the operator’s 

details. 

11.2 In any advertisement publicising their limousine service, the operator must 

state that the vehicle is only licensed to carry a maximum of 8 passengers 

and a sign to this effect must be displayed within the passenger 

compartment of the vehicle. 

` 


12.1 Under Section 48 (7) of the 1976 Act, any person aggrieved by the refusal 

of the Council to grant a Private Hire Vehicle Licence, or any conditions 

specified in such a licence may appeal to a Magistrates’ Court. 

12.2 Please note that failure to comply with any of the aforementioned 

conditions including the general conditions relating to private hire 

vehicles may result in the commencement of criminal proceedings, 

and/or in the suspension or revocation of an existing licence, or in the 

refusal to issue a new licence. 

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Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Application Pack

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