Private hire operators licence
Anyone who accepts or invites bookings for private hire vehicles must have a private hire operator's licence. A licenced private hire driver cannot accept fares unless it has first been booked through an licenced operator. Members of the public have initial contact with the operator and make the contract with them even if the operator does not provide the vehicle and/or the driver.
The council will not grant a private hire operator's licence unless it is satisfied that the licensing conditions will be adhered to and that the address where the operation is based is suitable for such an activity.
One person can be granted an operator's licence, and can then employ or subcontract any number of licensed vehicles. A licenced private hire driver is not allowed to accept booked unless they hold an operator licence or work for a licenced private hire operator.
As the operator of a private hire base you will be responsible for the day to day management of the business. As such you are personally responsible for complying with the conditions of the licence.
As a private hire operator you may have a considerable number of drivers working via your base at any one time. To enable you to make sure the drivers operating via your base are correctly licensed, you are required to ensure that the following details are held for each driver and vehicle operating:
- A copy of the current Private Hire Drivers Licence
- A copy of the current Private Hire Vehicle Licence
- A copy of the valid Certificate of Insurance
- A copy of the current MOT Certificate
The documents/records should be made readily available, and surrendered if required, to any authorised officer of the local authority or police officer at any time during operating hours.
You should ensure that the driver produces his/her documents before he/she commences work for you and the documents are updated when required.
Note: Your have overall responsiblity for any activies undertaken by drivers/proprietors working via your business.
Contact us
Licensing Unit
Challenge Building
Hatherton Road
Walsall
West Midlands
WS1 1YG
Telephone 01922 653581
Fax 01922 630697
Text Walsall Taxi and message to 60003
Email licensing@walsall.gov.uk
or use our online contact form for general enquiries, request a service, compliments and complaints.
Opening times
The licensing office is open during the following hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8:45am - 5:15pm
Friday: 8:45am - 4:45pm