Taxis (Hackney Carriages) and Private Hire Novelty private hire vehicles

Novelty private hire vehicles are licensed in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.  Novelty private hire vehicles must not have the appearance of a hackney carriage vehicle (commonly known as taxis).

When considering whether to licence a vehicle as novelty private hire, you need to have regards to the nature of work that is to be undertaken as novelty private hire vehicles cannot be used to ply for hire, stand on any taxi rank, or be hailed in the street.  In addition, all bookings for the vehicle must be received by a licensed private hire operator.  When considering whether a vehicle is a novelty private hire vehicle, we have regard to the Department for Transport guidance ‘Private hire vehicle licensing guidance note’.

Detailed information on the requirements for a novelty private hire vehicle can be found in Part 3e of the full Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2023-2027.

Anyone wishing to licence a vehicle as a novelty private hire vehicle with us will need to be able to demonstrate, that they intend to work for a private hire operator licensed by Shropshire Council.  You may also wish to apply to become a licensed private hire operator.  If you require information on how to apply to become a licensed private hire operator, please visit our Private hire operator  webpage.

Business model for novelty private hire vehicles

Novelty private hire vehicles must only be used for special events, which are defined as the provision of a vehicle or vehicles for events such as, but not limited to, weddings, proms, anniversaries, birthdays, stag and hen parties and not for ‘normal’ or general-purpose private hire use.

All bookings taken in respect of clients who require a novelty private hire vehicle must require a deposit to be paid for in advance.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the vehicle will only be used to fulfil the provision of novelty private hire vehicle bookings at special events by:

• Providing written confirmation from their private hire operator that the vehicle will only undertake novelty private hire vehicle work for special events
  
• Providing written confirmation that the vehicle will be used solely for novelty private hire vehicle work and not for ‘normal’ or general private hire use

What type of vehicle can be considered for a novelty private hire vehicle licence?

We do not provide a list of specific vehicles that are considered appropriate to be licensed as novelty private hire vehicles.  Stretched limousines, novelty vehicles, e.g. fire engines, and vintage vehicles will be considered for licensing.  Such vehicles do not have to comply with the New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) rating.

When considering the licensing of a limousine, the over-riding consideration will be the safety of the vehicle.  Such types of vehicle will only be licensed as novelty private hire vehicles.  They will be subject to the production of specific documents, in original form or as copies certified by the vehicle builder (uncertified photocopies will not be accepted), and to conditions as set out below.  These are in addition to the documents required and the conditions applicable to novelty private hire vehicle licensing.

The following documentation must be produced prior to licensing:

• Evidence of compliance through the Single Vehicle Approval Scheme (SVA) or Individual Vehicle Approval Scheme (IVA)
  
• Public Liability Insurance documentation for a minimum of £5,000,000
  
• Documentation recording the overall weight of the vehicle (as displayed on the vehicle.)

The following additional conditions apply:

• The tyres must be of an appropriate weight loading for the limousine, novelty vehicles and vintage vehicles.
  
• The sale of alcohol in the vehicle must be covered by a separate licence in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003.

Please note:  For the purpose of licensing, a limousine is described as a luxurious vehicle that has been stretched by the insertion of an additional section not exceeding 3048 millimetres to extend the length of the vehicle.  The vehicle shall be capable of carrying up to but not exceeding eight passengers.  Applicants are directed towards the VOSA ‘Guidance for operators of stretch limousines’. 

Applicants considering applying for a novelty private hire vehicle licence are strongly advised to contact the licensing team in advance of purchasing any vehicle to ensure it is appropriate to be licensed.

Does my vehicle need to be wheelchair accessible?

No. However, we encourage applicants to have provision for the legal transportation of a minimum of one reference wheelchair at all times. Specifications for a “reference wheelchair” can be found at Appendix J of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2023-2027.