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Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing

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The Council is responsible for the licensing of hackney carriage (taxis) and private hire vehicles, which carry passengers for hire and reward up to a maximum of 8 passenger seats, vehicles over 8 passenger seats are required to be licensed by the Area Traffic Commissioner. The Council is also responsible for the licensing the drivers and operators of these vehicles.

Exemptions from Licensing

The only exemptions from licensing a vehicle for the carriage of passengers for hire and reward are vehicles exclusively used as wedding and funeral cars.

Stretch Limousines

These vehicles carrying up to 8 passengers for hire and reward must be licensed with the Local Authority or Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA). Stretch limousines licensed with a local authority are not permitted under any circumstances to carry more than 8 passengers.