Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy
A public consultation is taking place on proposed changes to the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy.
Customers, businesses and the taxi and private hire trade are being invited to have their say on the revised licensing policy.
The policy objectives are:
- public safety
- protection of the environment
- ensuring an efficient and effective hackney carriage and private hire provision
- to provide and maintain a professional and respected hackney carriage and private hire trade by continued monitoring and improvement of standards of service
The proposed amendments seek to ensure licensed drivers, vehicles and operators working in North Hertfordshire continue to be of the highest standard, whilst embracing new technology and recognising the advancement in vehicle manufacture.
The proposed policy has regard to the government’s taxi and private hire vehicle licensing best practice guidance for licensing authorities in England and the government’s statutory taxi and private hire vehicle standards.
Proposed changes
Proposed changes include:
- removal of Euro 4 emission vehicles
- removal of age restriction when first licensed
- all vehicles to be Euro 6 emission compliant
- no MOT required until the vehicle’s 3rd anniversary since first registration
- six-monthly licences for vehicles reaching 7yrs of age to be replaced with six-monthly licensing from 10yrs of age
- mandating card payments with no minimum charge
- allowing medicals from medical practitioners other than the applicant’s GP
- new style recycled material licence plate with QR codes for reporting purposes
- English test for new applicants
- increased focus on safeguarding
- fit and proper person test amended in line with the Institute of Licensing’s Suitability Guidance
- various clarifications on existing policy issues
The proposed Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy is open to public consultation between Tuesday 7 January 2025 and Wednesday 26 February 2025.
Have your say
All consultation responses should be sent by email to licensing@north-herts.gov.uk or by post to:
The Licensing and Community Safety Manager
North Hertfordshire District Council
P O Box 10613 Nottingham
NG6 6DW
All consultation responses may be published within a public report.