Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licences

Vehicle requirements

All vehicle requirements are detailed within our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licencing Policy. These can be found within in the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licencing Policy. You can view the Policy further down this page.

Vehicles will be tested for suitability against our policy, and all licensing decisions are taken in consideration of our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy

When we first license a vehicle it must be less than five years old from the date of first registration.

At first application vehicles must meet or exceed Euro 6 emissions standards. 

Identification Plate

The identification plate issued by us bearing the number of the licence granted in respect of the vehicle shall be permanently fixed on or above the bumper on the outside of the offside rear of the vehicle, in such a position that it shall be clearly visible from the rear of the vehicle and the proprietor/driver shall not wilfully or negligently conceal it from public view whilst the vehicle is being used for hire. Our decision on this is final.

Vehicle ownership/Dual Plating

Vehicles which are currently licensed by another licensing authority will not be licensed by us.

Licensing a non-wheelchair accessible vehicle as a hackney carriage under grandfather rights

If a non-wheelchair accessible vehicle is currently licensed as a hackney carriage vehicle then you are permitted to transfer that licence to another non-wheelchair accessible vehicle. If you fail to renew this licence on time, you will lose your grandfather rights.

Tinted Windows

The windows of a vehicle to be licensed as a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire are required to let at least 60% of light through. Any vehicle that does not meet the above criteria will not be licensed. An exemption to this condition is for executive vehicles with a plate exemption.

Limitation of Numbers

We do not currently have a limit on the number of hackney carriages which may be licensed within the District and we have no intention of introducing one, unless evidence of ‘no significant unmet demand’ can be provided. The cost ofany ‘unmet demand’ survey would need to be borne by the existing licence holders.

No powers exist for licensing authorities to limit the number of private hire vehicles that they licence.

In order to comply with our vehicle testing requirements a vehicle must obtain a current MOT pass certificate and a current Certificate of Compliance pass certificate from our nominated testing facility. The Certificate of Compliance certificate must be dated no earlier than one calendar month prior to the licence commencement date.

Vehicles that are less than one year old will be exempt from producing a current MOT pass certificate and Certificate of Compliance.

All vehicles will be subject to annual testing requirements (MOT and Compliance Test) until they reach seven years old. Once a vehicle reaches seven years of age it will be subject to six-monthly Certificate of Compliance tests. Each application for a grant or renewal of a vehicle licence must be accompanied with proof of testing requirement compliance.

The licence of any vehicle which fails its testing requirements will be automatically suspended until such time as the vehicle has been re-examined and the necessary pass certificates obtained. We, or our nominated testing facility, may retain the vehicle licence plate until such time as the inspection requirements are met.

Certificate of Compliance (COC)

All vehicles will be subject to annual testing requirements (MOT and Compliance Test) until they reach seven years old. Once a vehicle reaches seven years of age it will be subject to six monthly

Certificate of Compliance tests. Each application for a grant or renewal of a vehicle licence must be accompanied with proof of testing requirement compliance.

The proprietor shall make arrangements direct with the authorised garage and be responsible for paying the fee for the test.

MOT advisories

With public safety being a significant objective of this Policy, we expect licensed vehicles to be of the highest possible standard. Accordingly, any MOT advisory relating to tyres or brakes must be rectified before a licence is granted. We also reserve the right to extend this requirement to other MOT advisories where we deem it necessary for the protection of the public.

In addition to the above testing requirements, we will undertake our own programme of inspections between formal testing dates. These tests will be undertaken at any other location within the District as advised by a licensing officer, with the aim of ensuring that vehicles maintain the high standard of testing throughout its licence period. In the event of any concern in relation to mechanical vehicle safety, the vehicle will be referred to our nominated testing facility for a formal assessment. Where the testing requirements would not be met, the officer may either agree a period of time for rectification and reinspection, or suspend the vehicle until such time as the testing requirements would be met

Our nominated testing facilities are:

MOT - Any testing facility currently registered with the Department for Transport to undertake MOT testing.

Certificate of Compliance - Undertaken by:

a) Gold Crest, 165 Camp Road, St Albans Tel: 01727-832835

b) Guildford Road Motors, 20 Guildford Road, St Albans Tel: 01727-830884

c) John Gordon Motors, 117 London Road, St Albans Tel: 01727 855096

d) M Wilson Motor Repairs, Unit 9-10 Campfield Road, St Albans, Herts AL1 5JA Tel: 01727 830539

e) Motown, 279 High Street, London Colney, Herts AL2 1EU Tel: 01727 824196

f) Drive Thru MOT Ltd- Unit 13, North Orbital Commercial Park, Napsbury Lane, St Albans, AL1 1XB – 01727 858300

g) D.P. Motors, 13-15 Sutton Road, St Albans, AL1 5JQ 01727 83667

h) MAC Testing Ltd, Unit 1 London Road Business Park, 222 London Road, St Albans AL1 1PN 01727 868599

New Vehicle applications

All applications must include:

• Completed application form (which can be found in the Application Forms and Payment tab)
• Vehicle MOT
• Vehicle Certificate of Compliance certificate(s)
• Copy of vehicle insurance with the provision for hackney carriage or private hire work
• Vehicle Logbook (V5)
• Meter calibration certificate (if applicable)
• Licence Fee £253
• Evidence of card payment facilities

Basic Disclosure

We also require a basic disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service with every vehicle application. Certificates must be issued in the full name of the relevant individual and must have been issued no earlier than 3 months before the date on which the application is made. If you are already a licensed with St Albans Council you do not need to complete a basic disclosure.

Meter calibration certificate

A meter calibration certificate, confirming that the meter has been set to our tariff, must be provided for new hackney carriages. We also require evidence that your meter is connected to a printer.

Please email all of the above to taxilicensing@stalbans.gov.uk

Once received we will contact you to book a vehicle inspection appointment.

Once the vehicle has been inspected and the application has been processed your licence plates will be posted to you.

Vehicle Renewal

The process to renew your licence is now fully electronic and will require you to send scanned or photographed documents to us via email.

You will need access to an email account

Vehicle licence applications must include:

• A completed and signed copy of the Vehicle application form (which can be found in the Application Forms and Payment tab)
• Make the payment for the renewal fee £238 (£178 full electric).
• Electronic copy of the Insurance Certificate
• Scan or photograph of the V5 logbook
• Scan or photograph of the COC (including 6 monthly if required)
• Copy of your MOT
• Photos of the vehicle – this will include photos of the outside and inside of the vehicle. Including of the no smoking signs, wheelchair access a metre (where applicable)
• Evidence of card payment facilities

Please email all of the above to taxilicensing@stalbans.gov.uk

At renewal vehicle licences will not be renewed in respect of any licensed vehicle that does not meet or exceed Euro 5 emissions standards. From 01/04/2025 vehicle licences will not be renewed in respect of any licensed vehicle that does not meet or exceed Euro 6 emissions standards.

Once a application has been received we aim to have your application processed within 5 working days. Once the vehicle has been inspected and the application has been processed your licence plates will be posted to you.

Transfer of vehicle

If you wish to transfer a vehicle on your licence please ensure the vehicle meets the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licencing Policy vehicle requirements. Once this is the case you will need to submit a complete application.

All applications must include:

• Completed application form (which can be found in the Application Forms and Payment tab)
• Vehicle MOT
• Vehicle Certificate of Compliance certificate(s)
• Copy of vehicle insurance with the provision for hackney carriage or private hire work
• Vehicle Logbook (V5)
• Meter calibration certificate (if applicable)
• Licence Fee £106
• Evidence of card payment facilities

Please email all of the above to taxilicensing@stalbans.gov.uk

Once this has been received we will contact you to arrange a vehicle transfer

Once the vehicle has been inspected and the application has been processed your licence plates will be posted to you.

Transfer of ownership

You have a legal obligation under Section 49 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions Act) 1976 to notify the licensing authority of a transfer of ownership (sold the vehicle). The notification must be in writing sent within 14 days of the transfer. If you are buying a licensed vehicle you must apply to transfer the licence into your name within 14 days of the vehicle purchase.

All applications must include:

• Completed application form (which can be found in the Application Forms and Payment tab)
• Vehicle MOT
• Vehicle Certificate of Compliance certificate(s)
• Copy of vehicle insurance with the provision for hackney carriage or private hire work
• Vehicle Logbook (V5)
• a letter from the previous owner confirming the sale of the vehicle
• Licence Fee £82

Please email all of the above to taxilicensing@stalbans.gov.uk

Once a valid application has been received, your application will then be processed within 5 working days.

Changing the vehicle registration number to a cherished number plate

To change your vehicle registration number to a cherished plate you will need to provide documentation from the DVLA authorising the change and the amended insurance certificate. You will also need to pay the fee of £45. Once the application has been processed your licence plates will be posted to you.

Replacement Plates

If you lose your licence contact the Licensing Team for replacement. Please note that there is a fee for issuing a replacement licence or plate.

Plate Exemption Criteria 

In order to apply for a plate exemption you will need to read the plate exemption guidance and complete the application form which is available upon request.

Tacit Consent

Tacit consent does not apply. We must grant your application before you can start operating.

Application form

You can download the application packhere.

Payment

You can make payment for your applicationhere.

Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010 imposes duties upon the drivers of designated vehicles when dealing with disabled passengers travelling in wheelchairs or a person who wishes to be accompanied by a disabled person in a wheelchair. Those duties are set out in Section 165(4) as follows:

• to carry to passenger whilst in the wheelchair;
• not to make any additional charge for doing so;
• if the person chooses to sit in a passenger seat, to carry the wheelchair;
• to take such steps as are reasonably necessary to ensure that the passenger is carried in safety and reasonable comfort; and
• to give the passenger such mobility assistance as is reasonably required.

Section 165(7) of the Act creates an offence where the driver of a designated taxi or private hire vehicle fails to comply with a duty imposed upon them under the section. This is punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding scale 3 on the standard scale (currently £1,000)

Section 166 of the Act makes provision for licensing authorities to issue exemptions to drivers where they are satisfied it is appropriate to do so:

• On medical grounds; or
• On the ground that the person’s physical conditions makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for the person to comply with those duties.

A driver will only be exempt therefore if an exemption certificate has been issued and notice of exemption issued by the Council is exhibited on the vehicle in the prescribed manner. There is currently 2 driver(s) with an exemption(s).

Vehicles shown on this list are known to be capable of carrying a wheelchair of maximum size 120x70cm and max combined weight (passenger and chair) of 300kg. Some may be capable of carrying larger or heavier wheelchairs. However, this will be at the discretion of the driver.

If you feel that a driver has acted unlawfully by refusing to carry you please email licensing@stalbans.gov.uk the following details:

• vehicle make
• plate number (found on the rear of the vehicle)
• if possible, the driver’s badge number.

Please note that the vehicles listed on the document here are those which can carry a person who remains seated in their wheelchair.

Passengers with assistance dogs

Every licensed taxi and private hire vehicle is required to carry assistance dogs with their owner, and it is a criminal offence for a driver to refuse to do so. It is also an offence for a private hire operator to refuse to take a booking because it involves carrying an assistance dog, or for drivers or operators to charge a higher fare for carrying an assistance dog.

This duty applies to assistance dogs trained by charities affiliated to Assistance Dogs UK, or other similar UK or overseas organisations. It also applies to dogs that have been trained by their owners to carry out this role.

A small number of taxi drivers may hold exemption certificates. These exempt them from the legal duties due to a medical condition. Any such drivers must display an official notice, issued by us, advising of this.

Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022

The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 ("The 2022 Act") came into effect in England on 28th June 2022. It amends the Equality Act 2010 to introduce new, and amend existing, duties for local authorities and hackney carriage and private hire vehicle drivers and operators alike.

The 2022 Act aims to ensure that disabled people can use hackney carriage and private hire vehicle services with confidence that they will not be discriminated against, and local authorities have an important role to play in ensuring the requirements are implemented effectively.

Exemptions

Currently, drivers of designated currently, drivers of designated may apply for an exemption certificate on medical grounds or where their physical condition makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult to perform the section 165 duties. Exemptions are currently granted from all the duties at section 165.

As a result of the new Act:

All hackney carriage and private hire vehicle drivers may apply for an exemption certificate and notice on medical grounds or where their physical condition prevents them from performing the mobility assistance duties at sections 164a and 165 (as added/amended by the 2022 Act).

Both existing and new exemption notices, when displayed correctly, will exempt a driver only from the mobility assistance duties at sections 164a and 165 - meaning, for example, that a driver's medical condition can no longer be used as a justification for charging a disabled person more than a non-disabled person.

Please contact us immediately if you consider yourself or one of your drivers are medically or physically unfit to perform the mobility assistance duties.  Following this, consideration will be given whether an exemption can apply. Please note this is not guaranteed, and any request must be supported by medical evidence which we will refer to our independent medical advisor.

New requirements for drivers and operators

The existing legislation requires drivers of designated wheelchair accessible vehicles to accept the carriage of wheelchair users, provide them with reasonable mobility assistance, and refrain from charging them more than other passengers.

All hackney carriage and private hire drivers and private hire operators - regardless of whether the vehicle is wheelchair accessible - will be subject to duties under the Equality Act.

Hackney carriage and private hire drivers will be required to:

• Accept the carriage of any disabled person, provide them with reasonable mobility assistance, and carry their mobility aids, all without charging any more than they would for a non-disabled passenger
• Provide any disabled passenger who requests it with assistance to identify the vehicle, at no extra charge

Private Hire operators will be required to:

• Accept bookings for or on behalf of any disabled person, if they have a suitable vehicle available
• Anyone found not be adhering to the legislation may face prosecution and/or be referred to the licensing sub-committee.  As I am sure you are aware, you could potentially lose your licence or have it suspended.

The updated guidance can be found by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-taxis-and-private-hire-vehicles-for-disabled-users 

Should you have any questions please email taxilicensing@stalbans.gov.uk

• List of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis Designated for the purposes of s165 Equality Act 2010 29-01-24 ( pdf - 450.12 KB )

Vehicle owners must comply with their conditions and hackney carriage owners must also comply with the byelaws. All licenses are issued subject to standard licence conditions which can be found in our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

If you lose your licence contact the Licensing team for replacement. Please note that there is a fee for issuing a replacement licence or plate.

Whilst licensed, vehicle licence holders must notify us in writing of any change of name; postal address; email address or telephone number within 7 days of the change taking place.

In accordance with section 50(3) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, any accident involving a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle that causes damage materially affecting:

1. the safety, performance or appearance of the vehicle, or
2. the comfort or convenience of the passengers,

must be reported to us as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any case within seventy-two (72) hours of the accident.

To report your accident please fill in the attached form and send it, with images of the whole vehicle (front, back, left and right side).

Pleasesubmit this completed form and photos by emailing them to: taxilicensing@stalbans.gov.uk

We will process your request and assess the damage from the photos you have provided. If the quality of the photos makes it difficult to identify any part of the vehicle and / or the damage, you may be required to present the vehicle in person for inspection.

Please keep in mind this involves damage that happens to your vehicle which does not involve another vehicle.

• Accident Report Form - Taxi Licensing ( pdf - 403.21 KB )

The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy was adopted by the Licensing & Regulatory Committee on 26th January 2021. This came into effect the day after, on 27th January 2021.

Our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy brings all our existing guidelines, standards, licensee requirements and information together in one place, as well as updating our approach as a result of changes to national guidance; the DFT Statutory Taxi & Private Hire Vehicle Standards.

The policy can be found here.

• Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy ( pdf - 1.57 MB )

Our Taxi Licensing Policy has been reviewed and an updated, this update introduces mandatory contactless/card payments in Taxis in SADC

Please see below for the decision by the Strategic Director for Community Place & Delivery, for mandatory electronic payments:

• Card Payments - Director Report ( pdf - 245.40 KB )
• Card Payments - Record of Decision ( msword - 98.50 KB )

Please visit the Public Register Of Licences And Registrations

If you are unable to find the information you are looking for on the public register please send your request totaxilicensing@stalbans.gov.uk