Safety checks on vehicles and drivers
We carry out stringent checks to ensure that all licensed vehicles and licensed drivers are suitable for transporting members of the public.
Vehicles must:
- be under five years of age when first licensed
- pass a standard MOT and an additional Certificate of Compliance Test every year (every six months after reaching five years of age)
- be replaced when they reach seven years of age (unless wheelchair-accessible or a purpose-built taxi)
- conform to the requirements of Council Policy
- be adequately insured
Drivers must:
- prove their medical fitness by meeting a prescribed DVLA medical standard
- prove their ability to drive to a higher standard by passing a specific Driving Standards Agency Taxi and Private Hire Driving Assessment
- obtain a three-yearly Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure
- provide full details of their driving history, including all endorsements, and
- pass a local topographical knowledge test, including questions on the Highway Code, Council Policy and customer care
Additionally, we undertake regular enforcement operations ensuring that standards are maintained. These operations can also be undertaken in accordance with the Roads Policing Unit, Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and Department of Works & Pensions (DWP).
Travelling safely by taxi
While incidents involving taxis are extremely rare, we have set out below a few tips to make you feel safer.
- Always use a licensed vehicle and driver.
- Record the plate number or registration number of the vehicle before you get in, or perhaps text the details to a friend or family member.
- If you have a camera phone take a picture of the vehicle and forward to a friend or family member.
- Check the driver's badge and make sure that the photograph is of the driver of the vehicle and the licence is current by looking at the expiry date.
- Check that the vehicle plates are displayed and that they have not expired.
- If you have pre-booked the vehicle from a private hire operator make sure that the correct operator is named on the rear identification plate of the vehicle as this ensures the vehicle has been booked correctly.
- When booking a taxi with a private hire operator ask for details of the vehicle and driver, for example, the vehicle make, registration and the driver's name. When the vehicle arrives make sure these details are correct before entering the vehicle.
- Make sure you have enough money to pay for the journey or agree arrangements to pay with the driver or operator before the journey commences.
- If you do not feel safe ask to be let out in a well-lit area with people nearby.
- Never flag down a vehicle which does not have an illuminated taxi sign or is a private hire vehicle as you will not be insured.
- Sit in the back of the taxi.
If you have any doubts do not get into the vehicle.
Enforcement
Council Enforcement Officers undertake periodic ‘spot checks’ on taxis in the district ensuring that only licensed vehicles and drivers are operating. Additionally, ‘mystery shopper’ journeys are undertaken by council officers to ensure that passengers are being correctly charged.
Joint working enforcement work is also undertaken in conjunction with Hertfordshire Constabulary, DVLA, Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and Department of Works & Pensions (DWP) which also encompasses vehicle safety checks.