Wakefield private hire licensing

Each case will be considered on its own individual circumstances, please speak with staff in the Licensing Team if you have any issues. L atest Government Update. You will no doubt be aware of the latest update from the government and the now mandatory requirement for passengers in private hire and taxis to wear a face covering unless exempt.

Please find a link to the latest information and a poster that you can download and display in your Operator bases. Face coverings poster. Following the recent change in Government guidance this week regarding facemasks in public places, please note that guidance in relation to passengers wearing masks in taxis and private hire vehicles has now been updated. I have attached the relevant guidance to this e mail below.

Taxis did not fall into the public transport category prior to the start of Covid, but this changed once Covid set in, and the recent Government Guidance is that face masks are now again mandatory in all public transport and that includes taxis and private hire vehicles.

Coronavirus COVID : safer transport guidance for operators and people who work in or from vehicles. A common issue we hear is whether the passenger is exempt from wearing a mask, and drivers often have problems establishing this.

There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering:. Also, please note, the contingency face covering distribution programme is extended until the 31st of December, Please complete the relevant application form.

Details of the information you need to include with your application including the fee are included on the form. Anyone who accepts or invites bookings for private hire vehicles must have a private hire operator's licence. A licensed private hire driver cannot accept a fare unless it has been booked through a licensed operator.

The public will make the contract with them even if the operator does not provide the vehicle or driver. Once you have been granted an operator's licence you can then employ any number of licensed vehicles and drivers, a licensed private hire driver is not allowed to accept a booking unless they hold a an operator licence or work for a licensed private hire operator. An operator is required to keep a register of all bookings taken, these may be inspected by the Police or the Council at any time.

Please complete the application form. Details of the information you need to include with your application are on the form. Once you have completed the form then please either return it in person to our public desk or post it to our offices. The purpose of this licensing is to safeguard the fare paying, travelling public by ensuring that vehicles are safe, reliable and comfortable, operators are efficient and that drivers are considered suitable.

Read 'how to apply' and the 'requirements and guidance' section of our application form. It is important you read this information thoroughly as it contains important information regarding the application process and the documents required to make an application. Failure to produce the correct documents will result in your application being refused. Applications must be submitted in person, between 10am and 3pm at the Licensing Office.

Fees are dependent on the licence type and duration. In most cases licences are issued for 3 years, unless special circumstances require a licence to be issued for a shorter period. We will use the results of the various tests and checks carried out during the application process to determine whether or not you are a "fit and proper person" to hold a licence. We will check any information disclosed on your DBS Certificate or Certificate of Good Conduct and consider what weight to attach to it.

Each case is decided on its own merits and in line with the driver 'Suitability Policy'. There are a number of conditions and byelaws attached to both types of driver licences and you will need to be fully aware of them before you begin driving.