Thursday 04 December 2008
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Licence - hackney carriage (taxi)

Hackney Carriage (Taxis) and Private Hire Licensing (Drivers Vehicles and Operators)

This information has been prepared for the convenience of people requiring a taxi or private hire service and those who wish to apply for a licence.

The aim of this information is to provide a general guide and any further information available by contacting the Taxi Licensing Officer on (01249) 706555.

The Difference Between a Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire Vehicle

Roof Signs
All Hackney Carriages (taxis) are required to display an illuminated ‘TAXI’ sign. On licensed cars the sign is fitted to the roof and the word ‘taxi’ is visible from the front. During hours of darkness all taxi signs are illuminated when the vehicles are available for hire.

Private Hire Vehicles are not permitted to display any sign on the roof of the vehicle.

Display of Licence Plates
All taxis and Private Hire Vehicles have to display licensed plates, one fixed to the rear and the other to the internal dashboard of the vehicle. The plate displays the licence number and the number of passengers that a vehicle is allowed to carry. The exterior plate affixed to a Hackney Carriage (taxi) are white, whilst a yellow plate is affixed to a Private Hire Vehicle.

Hailing a taxi/Pre-Booking
Hackney Carriages (taxis) can be hailed (flagged down) directly from the street or hired from taxi ranks, which are situated in each town. Private Hire Vehicles must by law be pre-booked.

Cost of Hiring a Taxi or Private Hire Vehicle

All Hackney Carriage (taxis) are fitted with fare meters, which should be used for each journey within North Wiltshire. Fares are fixed for each vehicle by the District Council, a fare card must be displayed inside the taxi. Passengers should refer to the fare card to see if the correct fare is being charged. If in doubt as to the correct fare being charged, passengers are advised to request a receipt from the driver.

Private Hire Vehicles do not need to have a fare meter fitted. It is advisable to agree the fare at the time of the booking and to ensure that the cost is confirmed with the driver prior to the journey commencing. Where meters are fitted voluntarily, the District Council tests for accuracy.

Journeys in Private Hire Vehicles must be pre-booked through an operator licensed by the District Council. Licences are only issued to operators who are fit and proper persons who understand the relevant laws. Licensed operators must ensure that drivers and vehicles used by them comply with all licence conditions.

The responsibility of providing a safe, efficient and courteous service lies in part with the driver, vehicle proprietor and operator.

Drivers of Hackney Carriages (Taxis) and Private Hire Vehicles

Driver’s licences are only issued by North Wiltshire District Council after the driver has been checked to ensure that he or she:
  • Has held a full, valid driving licence for a minimum of 12 months.
  • Is a fit and proper person of which includes vetting for criminal convictions, including motoring offences.
  • Has successfully undertaken a knowledge test of the area.
  • Is aware of the conditions attached to the drivers licence.
All licensed drivers must wear an identification badge, which includes a photograph of the bearer. North Wiltshire District Council issues a ‘dual’ licence that permits a licensed driver to drive a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle.  Private Hire driver badges are now also issued to companies operating Private Hire vehicles only.

The Rights of a Passenger

When you hire a taxi or pre-book a private hire vehicle you have certain rights. These are:
  • The driver must only charge the fare that is shown on the meter unless the fare is agreed before the journey commences.
  • The driver must comply with your instructions as to route etc.
  • The driver must take you to your destination by the shortest possible route.
  • The driver must not allow other passengers to share the vehicle without your agreement.
  • When requested, the driver should assist in loading and unloading luggage.

Taxi Ranks in North Wiltshire

New Road Chippenham
Market Place Chippenham
Borough Parade Chippenham
The Railway Station Chippenham
Newlands Road Car Park Corsham
High Street Wootton Bassett
The Strand Calne
Cross Hayes Malmesbury


In Case of Complaint

  • Check fare shown on meter (if possible obtain a receipt).
  • Note the drivers badge number and name.
  • Note the vehicle licence plate number, vehicle registration number, along with the make and model of the vehicle and any other signs of identification.
  • Note time, date and details of the journey.
  • Make a note of any other relevant factors e.g. description of the driver.
  • Contact the Licensing Officer on (01249) 706555.

Who to Contact

For further information about taxis/private hire, or in case of a complaint, please contact:

Licensing Officer
North Wiltshire District Council
Monkton Park
Chippenham
Wiltshire
SN15 1ER

Tel (01249) 706555

Email: ehealth@northwilts.gov.uk

Applying for Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Drivers Licence

Completed application forms should be submitted with:
Click on the following links for the appropriate forms:

Applying for a Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence / Private Hire Vehicle Licence

Completed application forms (click on the links at the bottom of the page to select the appropriate form) should be submitted with:
  • Required fee.
  • Registration document (log book).
  • Current certificate of insurance (or cover note).
  • MOT Test Certificate (note MOT test certificates are required from the time the vehicle is one year old. This is calculated from the date of first registration of the vehicle).  Subsequent MOT's are required on a 6 monthly basis.

Applying for a Private Hire Operators Licence

If you wish to licence a PHV you will also require an Operators licence.

Click on the following link for the appropriate form:

Private Hire Operator Application Form (PDF 136Kb)

Conditions of Licence

Please click on the following link for the most up to date conditions of licence:

Conditions (Rev. 3) (PDF) 288KB)