Taxis (Hackney Carriages) and Private Hire Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
On 1 April 2023, the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027 came into effect. This Policy supersedes all previous Council policies relating to hackney carriage and private hire drivers, hackney carriages, private hire vehicles and private hire operators.
The fundamental purpose of the Policy is to protect the safety and welfare of the public who live, work and visit Shropshire and who choose to use the services offered by this trade.
The Policy provides guidance for persons with an interest in hackney carriage and private hire licensing, including, but not restricted to applicants, existing licence holders, the Council in its capacity as the licensing authority, licensing consultants, solicitors, barristers etc and magistrates and judges who may be hearing appeals.
The Policy is designed to put our licensing requirements into context in accordance with relevant legislation. It is not the intention of the Policy to outline every section of the legislation within the policy document; applicants are advised to either consider the legislation directly or obtain independent legal advice.
The Policy sets out our expectations with regards to the licensing of:
- Hackney carriage and private hire drivers
- Hackney carriages (more commonly known as taxis)
- Private hire vehicles, including executive and novelty private hire vehicles
- Private hire operators
Suitability of applicants: Appendix I of the Policy sets out our expectations in relation to determining the suitability of applicants, including the relevance of criminal convictions and cautions. We have to be satisfied that an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence. Therefore, applicants are advised to read this section, alongside the policy document as a whole, to ensure they meet the required standards.
Conditions of licence: The Policy includes the applicable conditions with which a driver, vehicle proprietor or private hire operator must comply; these are set out at Appendix B – Appendix G. However, please note, where a licence was issued prior to 1 April 2023, associated conditions can be found in the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2019-2023, Appendix B – Appendix G.
Review of the Policy: We will commence a review of this Policy in 2026 with the aim of a revised policy being effective from 1 April 2027. However, it will be the subject of continuous evaluation and, if necessary, formally reviewed at any time. Any licensed driver or operator may request a review of the policy at any time.
Additional information: The Policy and associated conditions do not address health and safety at work requirements. Drivers, vehicle proprietors and operators are required to ensure all relevant health and safety at work provisions are satisfied.
Furthermore, the Policy and associated conditions do not address requirements under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and other relevant road traffic legislation, e.g., the Highway Code, parking restrictions and traffic regulation orders.