Taxis - Vehicles
Both hackney carriage and private hire vehicles are required to be
licensed by the licensing authority
In addition to the statutory requirements,
a Licensing Authority may attach to the grant of a licence such
conditions as it considers reasonably necessary. However, the Act
specifically states that the Council shall not refuse a licence for
the purpose of limiting the number of vehicles in respect of which
the Council grants such licences.
However in the case of hackney carriages the
numbers may be limited only if the Licensing Authority can show
there to be no significant unmet demand for this type of vehicle
licence.
The Licensing Authority has placed a number of
conditions on vehicles that are licensed as hackney carriages or
private hire vehicles within its district.
The Acts require that the Council must be
satisfied that the vehicle is suitable in type, size and design for use as a hackney
carriage or private hire vehicle and it is in a suitable mechanical
condition, safe and comfortable.
In the case of a private hire vehicle it is
further required that the authority be satisfied that they are not
of such design or appearance as to lead any person to believe that
the vehicle is a hackney carriage
Each application
for the licensing of a vehicle will be treated on individual merit
however conditions have been placed on the licensing of vehicles as
part of Council policy.
Operators wishing to licence stretched
limousines should note that it is the policy of this council only
to licence vehicles with seats that face fully to the front or
fully to the rear. Vehicles with side facing seats will not
normally be licensed.
Applicants wishing to licence vehicles
outside of this policy should show sufficient reason for the
Council to deviate from agreed policy.
Contact the Licensing Section
Telephone: 01304 872295
E-mail: licensing@dover.gov.uk
