A private hire operator's licence is required to enable a person to
accept or invite bookings for private hire vehicles.
One person can be licensed and employ/sub-contract an unlimited
number of licensed vehicles. However, a licensed private hire
driver cannot accept any bookings unless he either holds or works
for a licensed private hire operator. An operator may pass a
booking to another licensed private hire vehicle operator provided
that the operator is also licensed by the Council.
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.
Before an operator's licence is granted the applicant must satisfy
the Council that the address from which they intend to operate is
suitable and, where applicable, satisfy any conditions that maybe
attached to the licence in order not to disturb the ambience of the
area.
If you are a vehicle proprietor you may work for any existing
Operator. However, if you wish to apply for your own licence to
operate from premises which will be used as a booking office, you
need to obtain Planning Permission from the Council allowing use of
the building.
A Certificate of Public Liability Insurance is required where the
public have access to the premises i.e. waiting room etc. However,
where no public access or waiting facilities are provided or if you
wish to operate your own vehicle from home, this insurance is not
necessary.
Once the
private hire operator's licence application
form has been completed, you need to make an
appointment to visit our Offices, bringing with you the
following documentation:
• statutory Declaration (if applicable)
• certificate of Public Liability Insurance (if applicable)
• copy of Planning Permission
• fee - currently £32
Applications will not be accepted without production of the
above.
Once your application has been accepted and the fee has been paid,
a licence will be issued. Upon request we can e-mail a copy of your
approved licence to you.
We look forward to receiving your application and if you have any
difficulty with any of the forms or have any questions, please
contact us using the contact details below:
E-mail:
licensing@waveney.gov.uk
Telephone: 01502
523236