New Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2019 comes into force

The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2019 came into force on 1 October 2019 after being ratified by the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee in July following a public consultation.

The policy covers all aspects of taxi licensing, from the general application process to matters concerning enforcement via a new Points Contravention System. It also includes the necessary licence requirements, bylaws and conditions relating to hackney carriage and private hire vehicles, drivers and operators.

Some of the key changes include:

• Introduction of a Points Contravention System
• Updated safeguarding policy
• Requirement to provide a medical every three years up to 65 years old (one year thereafter)
• A new policy for stretched limousine and novelty vehicles
• New vehicle age policy
• TRDC Door stickers to be displayed on vehicles
• New register for refused and revoked licenses as required by NAFN (National Anti-Fraud Network).

Cllr Martin Trevett, Chairman of Licensing Committee, said: “Since the introduction of the new policy, we have already issued points to a driver for not displaying his licence plate in the prescribed manner. We will continue to protect the public and achieve a high standard of good practice across the taxi trade within the Three Rivers District.”

The full policy can be viewed here .