Taxi (Hackney Carriage) and Private Hire Information for the Public
Castle Point Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
Why do we have a Policy?
We are the statutory regulatory body for the private hire and hackney carriage vehicles, drivers and operators working in our Borough. This policy sets out how we carry out our legislative role, the licence application process, our considerations when granting a licence and how it enforces. Whilst hackney carriages and private hire vehicles are an important part of our local transport provision, these vehicles, their drivers and operators, can pose a danger to the public if not properly regulated.
The policy sets out how we approach our responsibility to ensure that licence holders and vehicles are of sufficient standard to ensure the safety of the public.
Hackney Carriage Taxi & Private Hire Policy
Hackney Carriage Vehicles (Taxis)
Public safety is the main reason why the licensing of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, drivers and operators is regulated. The Council is required to ensure that all licence holders are ‘Fit and Proper’ persons to be licensed and that vehicles are accessible and safe.
A licensed taxi may be hired at one of the Boroughs taxi ranks, or it can be hailed in the street or be pre booked. Hackney Carriage vehicles display the Councils door sticker on the front doors and a licence plate to the front and rear of the vehicle. The plate is white and displays full details of the vehicle that is licensed. All hackney carriage vehicles must display a taxi roof sign and carry a taximeter. Wheelchair Accessible vehicles display an orange plate.
Private Hire Vehicles
Private Hire vehicles must be pre booked. These vehicles display the Councils door sticker on the front doors and a licence plate to the the front and rear of the vehicle. The plate is yellow and displays full details of the vehicle that is licensed.
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.
Taxi Fares and Charges
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Fares and Charges changed in 2024 following consultation with the drivers and the public.
Private hire vehicles are exempt from statutory charging and do not by law have to carry a fare charging meter. They are free to charge a similar amount for a journey as would be charged by a Hackney Carriage (Taxi).
However, the majority of Private Hire Vehicles in the Castle Point Borough are actually equipped with fare charging meters and their charges are similar to Hackney Carriage charges.
If you drive a Hackney Carriage (Taxi), Castlepoint Borough Council regulate the fare you can charge your customers. Please see the Authorised Fares for Hackney Carriage for information regarding the current fares.
If you drive a private hire vehicle, we do not regulate the fare you can charge your customers.
The fare should be agreed between the operator and the customer when the customer makes the booking.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles
Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010
Under Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010, licensing authorities are required to maintain and publish a list of designated wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The vehicles on this list are subject to legal duties placed on drivers to:
- Carry wheelchair users without additional charge
- Assist passengers in getting in and out of the vehicle
- Secure the wheelchair safely during the journey
The following vehicles have been designated by the Council for the purposes of Section 165:
Please note: Only vehicles that have been confirmed by the Licensing Authority as fully wheelchair accessible and compliant with accessibility requirements are included in this list.
Lost Property
It is a condition of licence that all drivers finding lost property in their vehicles, hand the item(s) into a local police station, their Private Hire operator or to the Licensing Office as soon as possible and in any event within 72 hours.
If you have left your property in a licensed vehicle please report it to the licensing team. Your details will be recorded and you will be contacted if your property is returned to the Licensing Office.
Please be aware that the driver is permitted to charge a small fee for the return of your property.
Complaints and Compliments
If you wish to make a compliment or complaint about a licensed driver or the service you have received please let us know. Please include the drivers licence plate or badge number together with the date and time of the incident and as much detail as possible.
You can complete our online form - How did we do – Taxi Feedback Form – Castle Point Borough Council
Or by email licensing@castlepoint.gov.uk or phone us on 01268 882480
Castle Point Borough Council, Kiln Road, Benfleet, Essex SS7 1TF