The content of this document will provide you with the answers to those questions you may have, and also provide you with the information you need to make an application for a private hire operator licence. A private hire operator guidance notice is also available.
What is a private hire operator?
Anyone who in the course of business, ‘makes invitation’ for the acceptance of bookings for a private hire vehicle with a driver must be licensed by the Licensing Authority, in this case the Licensing Authority is Plymouth City Council, as a private hire operator. This includes individuals or companies accepting bookings directly or ‘booking agents’ who may eventually sub-contract bookings to a third party. Private hire vehicles cannot lawfully carry out any journey which has not been pre-booked through an operator. All vehicle hiring’s must be booked in advance.
A booking can be made in person by calling at premises, telephoning, internet bookings or app based booking systems. Whatever method is used, the recipient of the booking must be licensed.
Vehicles used exclusively in connection with a ‘wedding ceremony’ or are used for funeral purposes, are exempt from the legislation and do not require licensing, however a private hire operator licence will be required by those hiring out ‘special event’ or ‘novelty’ vehicles such as stretched limousines, executive cars with a driver, or vehicles used for parties or school proms, or stag and hen events, airport or seaport transport or any other transport where the vehicle is being hired with the services of a driver. If you are in any doubt if you need an operator’s licence, please contact the Licensing Section where advice can be provided.
Why do I need a licence?
People working in the private hire and taxi trades are regulated by law, in the case of Plymouth it is the Plymouth City Council Act 1975 which governs the industry. People can only be granted a licence by the Council if they are considered to be ‘fit and proper’ people to have a licence. In the case of a private hire operator, this includes vetting any criminal history and ensuring that you are not a bankrupt.
What else does a private hire operator do?
As well as accepting bookings for vehicles and drivers to perform journeys, the operator is responsible for maintaining accurate records for every journey booking they receive. They are also responsible for ensuring that the drivers and vehicles they use are licensed by Plymouth City Council.
Operators should also ensure that complaints received from customers are dealt with effectively and that the vehicles they use are fully insured.
The Licensing Authority expects licensed operators to work closely with them to ensure that the high standards of service expected by Plymouth City Council are achieved and maintained.
Who can become a private hire operator?
The Plymouth City Council Act 1975 states that only people considered by the Council to be ‘fit and proper’ can be granted a private hire operator’s licence. This legislation and the very comprehensive policies set by the Council, ensure that licences are only granted to those people who can demonstrate that they meet some very strict criteria. Further information relating to the assessment of potential licensees is provided in the private hire operator application guidance information.
How long does a private hire operator licence last?
Licences are granted for a period of 12 months and are thereafter renewed annually on the anniversary of the initial grant.
How much does it cost?
The application fee is £135 and this is payable annually and is subject to periodic review. After your first 12 months of trading, you will also be required to pay £3.80 for each vehicle operating through your company. As an example, if after 12 months you have 10 vehicles operating through your company, the annual fee will be £135 application fee + £38 for the vehicles giving a total fee of £173.
I have a criminal record and I don’t want to be a licensed driver, will this affect my application?
It depends on how long ago you received your convictions. If they are spent, then under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, they are no longer relevant for a private hire operator’s application. If they are unspent and they are considered to be relevant convictions, then your application will have to be decided by members of the Taxi Licensing Committee. They will hear your application, and any other supporting information you may wish to give them, and decide if your application for a licence should be granted. If it is not granted, you do have the right of appealing the decision in the Magistrates Court.
Further information about the rehabilitation periods for offences can be found in the private hire operator application guidance information.
What happens if I accept hiring’s for a car and driver without having a private hire operator licence?
You commit a criminal offence and the vehicles undertaking the journey with the passengers will be un-insured. Where evidence suggests that someone is operating without a licence, the Council will seek to prosecute the individual and/or the company concerned.
Do I need to have a work premises?
No, unless of course you intend to run a large number of vehicles, in which case you should be looking for commercial premises from which to operate your company. Whatever premises you decide to use, you should ensure that any planning permissions are in place, and that landlords know you will be using the premises for business purposes.
There is nothing to prevent you using the premises where you live if you are going to be a sole trader and using one or two vehicles, but you must seriously consider any potential impact on your neighbours, your household insurance and mortgage provider may also need to be notified.
Taxi Licensing contact information
Taxi Licensing Office
Plymouth City Council
Ballard House
West Hoe Road
Plymouth
PL1 3BJ
Email: taxi.licensing@plymouth.gov.uk
Website: Taxi licensing | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK