Licensing Your Hackney Carriage Vehicle

Licensing Your Hackney Carriage Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide

Embarking on the journey to become a licensed hackney carriage (taxi) proprietor in the East Riding is a structured process designed to ensure public safety and service quality. This guide will walk you through each crucial step, from initial vehicle selection to the final granting of your licence, providing clarity and essential details to help you navigate the requirements successfully. If you're looking to licence a new hackney carriage vehicle, understanding these steps is paramount.

Step 1: The Purchase - Laying the Foundation

The very first step involves the careful selection and purchase of your vehicle. It is imperative that any vehicle you consider meets the stringent requirements outlined in either Specification A or B. These specifications detail the council's intended use policy for hackney carriage vehicles, ensuring your chosen vehicle is suitable for its purpose. It is highly recommended to obtain a copy of these specifications and take it with you when inspecting potential vehicles at garages or from private sellers. This will allow for a direct comparison and ensure you are making an informed decision.

A critical and non-negotiable requirement is the vehicle's colour. The base colour of your hackney carriage vehicle must be white. No other colour will be accepted, and the authority explicitly states that spraying a vehicle to achieve the correct colour is not permissible. Adherence to this colour requirement is fundamental to your application.

Furthermore, your application must demonstrate a clear intention to primarily ply for hire within the East Riding district. The vehicle must also fulfil the core purpose of a hackney carriage, whether operating from a rank or plying for trade on the street. Each application will be assessed on its individual merits. If the authority is not satisfied that the vehicle meets the intended use policy, your application may be refused, or you may be advised to consider a private hire licensed vehicle instead. For detailed information on the exact requirements, refer to the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Specification/Intended Use document.

Step 2: Vehicle Preparation - Equipping for Service

Once you have successfully purchased a vehicle that you are confident meets the specified criteria, the next stage involves preparing it for its role as a hackney carriage. If you have chosen to comply with Specification B, this preparation involves the installation of specific equipment: a rotating swivel seat, a taximeter, and a top light. These components are essential for the operational requirements of a licensed taxi.

The installation of the rotating swivel seat is a particularly important aspect. It must be fitted by a council-approved manufacturer or installer. There are also stipulations regarding the age of the seat. It must either be a new seat/base, or if it's a pre-owned seat/base, it must be less than three years and 364 days old at the time of re-installation. Prior written permission is also required to transfer a used seat/base into a replacement vehicle. This ensures that the safety and functionality of this crucial component are maintained.

In some cases, it may be necessary to disarm certain airbags and pre-tensioners to facilitate the installation of the rotating swivel seat. It is of utmost importance that you discuss any proposed airbag and pre-tensioner disarming with both the installer and your insurance company before proceeding with the installation. This ensures you are fully informed and comfortable with the modifications being made to the vehicle's safety systems. The installer will typically require you to sign a declaration confirming your agreement to these modifications, if necessary. Evidence of this declaration will be required during the subsequent inspection stage (Step 3).

Step 3: The Application - Formalising Your Intent

With your vehicle prepared and all necessary preparations in place, the next step is to submit your formal application. This is an electronic process, and it requires the completion of an application form along with an application fee of £255. You can submit your application electronically via the provided online portal. Ensure all fields on the application form are completed accurately and that you have the payment method ready.

Step 4: Vehicle Inspection - The Crucial Check

Following the submission of your application, an officer from the Taxi Hub will contact you to arrange a vital inspection of your proposed vehicle. This inspection is a critical part of the process, as it allows the council to verify that your vehicle meets all the required standards and to receive all necessary supporting documents. This inspection must take place before your vehicle undergoes its official compliance test.

The Taxi Hub aims to arrange this inspection appointment for you within 48 hours of your application being submitted. During this inspection, you will be required to present a comprehensive set of documents. It is essential to have these documents organised and readily available to ensure a smooth inspection process. The required documents include:

Failure to present all the required documentation at the inspection may lead to delays in your application process. Ensure you have copies of all relevant paperwork, including the consent form for existing licensed drivers if you are utilising your DBS subscription.

Step 5: Certificate of Compliance - Proving Roadworthiness

If your vehicle is less than six months old, it will need to undergo a compliance test at one of the three designated testing centres. To have your vehicle tested, you will need an email confirmation sent in advance from the Taxi Hub to the chosen test centre. The fee for this test, set at £56, is payable directly to the testing centre.

The testing centres and their contact details are as follows:

• Beverley Depot: Annie Reed Road, Beverley. Opening hours are 6:30 am to 2:30 pm. To book an appointment, call (01482) 395781 or (01482) 395516.
• Carnaby Depot: Carnaby Industrial Estate, Bridlington. Opening hours are 6:30 am to 12:00 noon. To book an appointment, call (01262) 401973.
• Goole Depot: Seavy Road, Goole. Opening hours are 6:30 am to 12:00 noon. To book an appointment, call (01482) 395787.

It is crucial to book your appointment in advance and ensure the Taxi Hub has sent the necessary authorisation email to the testing centre.

Step 6: Grant of the Licence - The Final Approval

Once the Taxi Hub receives your Certificate of Compliance from the testing centre and has thoroughly reviewed all other supporting documentation submitted with your application, they will contact you. This contact will be to arrange the collection of your official licence, taxi plate, and any necessary stickers. The Taxi Hub typically arranges a plate appointment for you within 7 days of a fully completed application being made, ensuring you can get on the road as swiftly as possible.

Step 7: Livery Installation - Branding Your Vehicle

The final step in the licensing process is the installation of the council's livery on your vehicle. You will be contacted by the Taxi Hub to arrange a specific date and time for this. While the vehicle does not need to be fully liveried before the licence is granted, it is a mandatory condition of the licence that the livery is installed. This ensures all licensed hackney carriages meet a consistent visual standard for the public.

Tacit Consent and the Equality Act 2010

It is important to note that tacit consent does not apply to hackney carriage vehicle applications. This means your application will not be automatically granted after a specific waiting period. Each application is carefully considered on its individual merits to guarantee that all safety and regulatory requirements are met.

The East Riding of Yorkshire has adopted Section 165 of the Equality Act 2010. This means that all licensed vehicles deemed capable of carrying a reference-sized wheelchair (120 x 70 cm, with a maximum combined weight of 300kg) will be published in accordance with Section 167 of the Act. Drivers of these vehicles are legally obligated to fulfil specific duties towards passengers with disabilities, including:

• Carrying passengers whilst they remain in their wheelchairs.
• Making no additional charge for this service.
• Carrying the wheelchair if a passenger chooses to sit in a standard seat.
• Taking all reasonably necessary steps to ensure the passenger is carried safely and in reasonable comfort.
• Providing passengers with assistance as reasonably required.

Section 166 of the Act allows for licensing authorities to issue exemptions to drivers under specific circumstances, such as on medical grounds or if a person's physical condition makes compliance with these duties impossible or unreasonably difficult. Any driver granted an exemption must prominently display an exemption certificate and a notice of exemption issued by the Council on their vehicle in the prescribed manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I book an appointment with the Taxi Hub?
To book an appointment, you generally do not book directly with the Taxi Hub for initial inspections or plate collections. Following your online application submission, an officer from the Taxi Hub will contact you within 48 hours to arrange the vehicle inspection. Similarly, for plate collection, they will contact you within 7 days of a full application being made to arrange a suitable time.

Q2: Can I use a vehicle that is not white?
No, the base colour of the hackney carriage vehicle must be white. The authority does not accept any other colour, and spraying a vehicle to achieve this colour is not permitted.

Q3: What if my vehicle requires airbags to be disarmed for the swivel seat installation?
It is crucial to discuss this with both the seat installer and your insurance company beforehand. You will need to sign a declaration confirming your agreement, and evidence of this will be required during the inspection.

Q4: How long does the inspection process take?
The Taxi Hub aims to arrange the inspection within 48 hours of your application. The inspection itself is a thorough check of the vehicle and documentation.

Q5: Who arranges the vehicle compliance test?
The Taxi Hub will send an email to the selected testing centre to authorise the test once your application has been processed and you have been contacted for inspection. You then book your appointment directly with the chosen depot.

By carefully following these steps and ensuring all documentation is in order, you can successfully navigate the process of licensing your new hackney carriage vehicle and begin your career as a taxi proprietor in the East Riding.

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