Taxi and Private Hire Licences

Taxi (hackney carriage) and private hire vehicles must be licensed. Taxis are licensed to ply for hire - that is, they can pick up a passenger in the street or from a taxi rank. Private hire vehicles are not allowed to pick up passengers in the street or from a rank - they can only carry passengers who have pre-booked the journey.

Taxis (hackney carriage)

Application forms for taxi vehicles and taxi drivers who need valid licences can be downloaded.

Private Hire Vehicles

Application forms for private hire operators, private hire vehicles and private hire drivers who need valid licenses can be downloaded.

Please note that the Council has introduced an age limit for vehicles. For hackney carriage vehicles, all renewals of existing licences and new vehicle applications must show documentation that proves the vehicle is under 8 years old.

Private Hire vehicles and those vehicles specifically adapted as wheel chair accessible (including hackney carriages) can be licenced until they reach 10 years old.

For further information on applying for a licence, please email the Licensing Team or telephone 01993 861636.

Taxi Fares

The taxi fares are shown in the attached table.

Taxi and Private Hire fees and charges

The taxi and private hire fees and charges can be downloaded.

Personal Safety tips for taxi and private hire drivers

A new leaflet published highlights possible risks facing taxi and private hire drivers and offers tips on how to avoid the pitfalls.

Passenger information

A new leaflet has also been produced for passengers with tips on how to identify licensed vehicles and check they are bona fide before getting into a vehicle.