Anyone who accepts or invites bookings for private hire vehicles must have a private hire operators licence. A licensed private hire driver cannot accept fares unless it has first been booked through a licensed operator.
Members of the public have initial contact with the operator and make the contract with them, even if the operator does not provide the vehicle and/or the driver.
We will not grant a private hire operators licence unless we're satisfied the licensing conditions will be adhered to, and that the address where the operation is based is suitable for such an activity.
One person can be granted an operators licence, and can then employ or subcontract any number of licensed vehicles. A licensed private hire driver is not allowed to accept bookings unless they hold an operators licence or work for a licensed private hire operator.
As the operator of a private hire base, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the business. As such you are personally responsible for complying with the conditions of the licence.
As a private hire operator you may have a considerable number of drivers working via your base at any one time. To enable you to make sure these drivers are correctly licensed, you are required to ensure hold the following details for each driver and vehicle operating:
- A copy of the current private hire drivers licence
- A copy of the current private hire vehicle licence
- A copy of the valid certificate of insurance
- A copy of the current MOT certificate
The documents/records should be made readily available, and surrendered if required, to any authorised officer of the local authority or police officer at any time during operating hours.
You should ensure that the driver produces their documents before they start working for you and that the documents are updated when required.
Please be aware, you have overall responsibility for any activities undertaken by drivers/proprietors working via your business.
Contact us: Licensing, Tamworth Borough Council, Marmion House, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7BZ
Tel: 01827 709709. Email: taxi-licensing@tamworth.gov.uk