Denbighshire Taxi Fleet: Licensing & Regulations

Understanding Denbighshire's Taxi Fleet Requirements

For anyone looking to operate a taxi, or hackney carriage as it's formally known, within Denbighshire, a clear understanding of the licensing and regulatory framework is paramount. This comprehensive guide will delve into the essential requirements for both vehicles and drivers, the fare structures in place, and the critical safeguarding protocols that underpin the service. Whether you're an aspiring taxi operator or a concerned resident, this information provides a vital overview of the Denbighshire taxi landscape.

What Constitutes a Hackney Carriage (Taxi) Vehicle Licence?

In Denbighshire, a hackney carriage licence, commonly referred to as a taxi licence, is a mandatory requirement for any chauffeur-driven hire vehicle designed to carry up to eight passengers. The defining characteristics of a vehicle requiring this licence are its ability to be:

• Paid for hire.
• Flagged down by potential passengers.
• Hired from a designated taxi rank.

To ensure public safety and clarity, licensed taxis in Denbighshire must prominently display specific identifiers:

• A visible roof sign.
• A yellow plate affixed to the front of the vehicle, accompanied by a smaller internal card detailing the vehicle's and taxi licence number.
• A yellow plate on the rear of the vehicle, clearly indicating the licence expiry date.

Furthermore, taxi drivers themselves must hold a valid taxi driver licence and be issued with a photo ID badge by the Council. Details on obtaining a taxi driver licence can be found separately.

Denbighshire Taxi Fares and Charges

The fare structure for taxis in Denbighshire is regulated to ensure fairness and transparency for both passengers and drivers. The fares are divided into two main tariffs, with additional charges for specific circumstances:

Tariff 1: Standard Daytime Fares (6am - Midnight)

Tariff 2: Night-time & Special Day Fares (Midnight - 6am)

Other Charges

• Public and Bank Holidays, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day: Tariff 2 rates apply all day.
• Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: Tariff 2 rates apply from 6pm onwards.
• Luggage: 20p per item for luggage stored outside the passenger compartment (excluding shopping, wheelchairs, and pushchairs).
• Domestic Pets: 20p per pet (excluding guide dogs).
• Soiling Charge: A fixed charge of £100.00 applies if the vehicle is soiled.
• Surcharge per Passenger: For journeys exceeding 4 passengers, a surcharge of 20p per passenger over the initial four applies.

Passengers are strongly advised to verify that the fare charged aligns with the meter and does not exceed the council’s maximum Hackney carriage fares.

Applying for a Taxi Vehicle Licence: The Process

Before submitting an application for a taxi vehicle licence in Denbighshire, prospective operators must ensure their vehicle meets specific criteria:

• Compliance: The vehicle must adhere to all specified conditions and standards.
• Age Limit: The vehicle must be less than 5 years old at the time of application.

Required Documentation for Application:

When applying, you will need to provide the following essential documents:

• Vehicle Registration Document (V5): This document must clearly show the registered keeper on page 1 and the vehicle's specifications on page 2. Alternatively, a Bill of Sale or Lease Agreement with the same details can be provided.
• Current Certificate of Insurance: Proof of adequate insurance cover is mandatory.
• Certificate of Compliance and Inspection Sheet: Evidence that the vehicle has passed its compliance test.
• Licence Fee: The applicable fee must be submitted with the application.
• Mobility Tail Lift Service and Weight Test Certificate: A Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulation (LOLER) certificate, where applicable.

How to Apply: The Online Portal

Applications for a taxi vehicle licence in Denbighshire are managed through the Public Protection (PP) Cymru online account. Prospective applicants will need to sign up for or log in to their existing PP Cymru account to initiate the process.

The Certificate of Compliance: Ensuring Vehicle Standards

Upon the initial application for a taxi licence, every vehicle must undergo and pass a compliance test. This crucial test is conducted exclusively at the Council's licensed testing station, located at Expressway Business Park, Abergele Road, Bodelwyddan LL18 5SQ. To schedule an appointment, interested parties can call 01745 839244.

The compliance test, which incorporates an MOT certificate, is designed to verify that the vehicle meets all the requisite safety and operational standards. A key requirement is that vehicles newly entering the Denbighshire taxi "fleet" must not be older than 5 years. Successful completion of this test results in the issuance of a certificate of compliance and an inspection sheet.

Insurance: The Cornerstone of Public Hire

Adequate and appropriate insurance is non-negotiable for taxi operations. Applicants must furnish proof of insurance that specifically covers public hire or hackney carriage services for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward. Consulting with an insurance broker is highly recommended to ensure the correct level of cover is secured.

Granting Your Licence: The Final Steps

Once all submitted documentation is received and reviewed, and the Council is satisfied that the vehicle meets all stipulated requirements, including the proper installation of a roof sign and taxi meter, the vehicle licence and corresponding plates will be issued. The applicant will be contacted to arrange the collection of these documents from the Council's office.

Licence Validity and Fees

Taxi vehicle licences in Denbighshire are typically granted for a maximum period of 12 months. The current fee for applying for a hackney carriage vehicle licence is £200. A comprehensive list of all taxi driver, vehicle, and operator fees is available for review.

Payment Methods

Payment for the taxi vehicle licence application is made directly through your PP Cymru account during the application process.

Reporting Vehicle Incidents: Accidents and Surrender

Vehicle Accident Notification

In the event of a licensed vehicle sustaining damage that impacts its safety, performance, appearance, or the comfort and convenience of passengers, the accident must be reported in writing within 72 hours of its occurrence. Proprietors are required to utilise the designated Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Accident Report Form to submit these details, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.

Surrender of Licence

Should a licence holder wish to surrender their licence, they must complete the Hackney carriage/private hire vehicle licence surrender form. This form, along with the returned licence plates and internal card, should be sent to [email protected] within 7 days. The physical licence plates and card should be mailed to: Licensing Section, Denbighshire County Council, PO Box 62, Ruthin, LL15 9AZ. Failure to comply with these procedures could result in daily fines as stipulated by Section 58 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

Transfer of Ownership: Changing Licence Holders

To transfer a vehicle licence to a new owner, the Hackney carriage/private hire vehicle licence transfer consent form must be completed and submitted to [email protected]. Alongside the consent form, the following documents are required:

• The V5 registration document showing the new registered keeper and vehicle specifications, or a Bill of Sale/Lease agreement.
• The current certificate of insurance and schedule.
• The transfer fee of £60.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) and the Equality Act

The Equality Act 2010 mandates that licensed taxi and private hire vehicle drivers operating Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) must carry passengers in wheelchairs and provide necessary assistance for their safety and reasonable comfort, without levying any additional charges.

Exemption to Wheelchair Carriage

In specific circumstances, an exemption from carrying wheelchairs and providing assistance may be applied for. This requires the completion of a Carriage of wheelchairs exemption application form, supported by a detailed medical report from the applicant's General Practitioner or a Specialist Medical Practitioner. This report must include a full diagnosis and details of ongoing investigations. Simple statements from medical professionals are not considered sufficient, and any costs associated with obtaining these medical reports are the responsibility of the applicant. Information regarding the Equality Act medical exemption policy can be found on the Welsh Government website.

Taxi Driver Licensing: The Knowledge Test

Aspiring taxi drivers in Denbighshire must successfully pass a knowledge test to obtain their licence. This test assesses a range of essential competencies:

• Local Geography: Knowledge of routes, popular venues, and locations within Denbighshire.
• Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Conditions: Understanding of the licensing policy and conditions.
• Rank Locations and Tariffs: Familiarity with designated taxi ranks and the established fare structures.
• Numeracy and Customer Care: Skills related to fare calculation and providing excellent customer service.
• Highway Code: Knowledge of road traffic laws and regulations.
• Routine Vehicle Maintenance: Awareness of basic daily vehicle checks.

To pass, candidates must answer at least two out of three questions correctly in each section. Sample questions are provided to guide applicants.

Combating Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Human Trafficking

Denbighshire County Council is actively engaged in tackling Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and human trafficking, with the taxi industry playing a crucial role in this effort. The "Speak Out Against Child Sexual Exploitation" campaign aims to raise awareness among taxi drivers and operators about the signs of exploitation and the actions they can take to protect vulnerable individuals.

Understanding CSE and Trafficking

CSE involves adults exploiting young people under 18 for sexual purposes, often through manipulation and coercion, offering incentives like money, drugs, or gifts. Trafficking involves the illegal movement of individuals for sexual exploitation, both within the UK and internationally.

Your Responsibility and the Law

Taxi drivers have a legal and moral responsibility. Transporting a child with the knowledge or belief that they will be sexually exploited during or after the journey constitutes the offence of Human Trafficking, carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment. Drivers can be instrumental in preventing these crimes by being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity.

Signs to Look For and Actions to Take

Drivers should be aware of indicators such as:

• Picking up or dropping off young people at unusual locations (hotels, parties).
• Young people with minimal luggage or appearing distressed.
• Suspicious interactions between adults and young people.
• Young people under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Indications of physical injury or unusual grooming.

If any of these signs are observed, drivers should:

• Make detailed notes of observations (names, locations, descriptions, vehicle details).
• Report concerns to the police (101 for non-emergencies, 999 for imminent danger) or relevant safeguarding services.

Good Safeguarding Practice for Drivers

To ensure the safety of all passengers, especially vulnerable individuals, drivers are encouraged to:

• Maintain professionalism and avoid inappropriate conversations or physical contact.
• Never accept sexual favours in lieu of payment.
• Ensure identification is visible.
• Sit lone passengers in the back seat unless otherwise agreed.
• Always confirm the destination and avoid isolated routes without passenger consent.
• Never take on additional passengers without explicit agreement.
• Report any concerns about other drivers' conduct.
• Keep records of any incidents or concerns.

Guidance for Operators

Taxi operators have a responsibility to implement robust safeguarding practices, including conducting risk assessments for vulnerable passengers, providing staff training, maintaining employment records, and establishing a whistle-blowing policy. Drivers should adhere to a Code of Good Safeguarding Conduct.

By adhering to these comprehensive regulations and embracing a proactive approach to safeguarding, the Denbighshire taxi fleet can continue to provide a safe and reliable service for the community.

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