rayggb wrote:
Out of curiosity I went onto Gelding borough councils website to see what the score was regarding their hacks seeing that they are becoming more and more prevalent in south yorkshire.First of all it mentions there maybe delays in proccesing licences because there is a high demand at present.Well no wonder it's totally
without a knowledge test!.The plate is also free and does not have to be WAV. I forsee Gelding cabs overtaking the local cabs throughout the country.I spoke to one of their officials on the phone who quite openly said that drivers were applying for their cabs because they are cheaper than other councils.Should we all apply for Gelding cabs and ditch our LA'S ?.My local LA told me it's very difficult to prove that they are not doing private hire jobs.We were losing the game now I think we have actually lost, the one's with no scruples have won!.
Gedling is the new Berwick upon Tweed. You'll see them all over the country in the not so distant future.
Taxi Licensing
Please be aware that we are experiencing a high demand for taxi driver licences and the average processing time is considerably longer than usual. Please ensure you read all the guidance notes relating to your application and submit all the required documentation with your application to keep delays to a minimum.
If you are renewing your licence please submit your application as soon as possible after receiving your reminder letter.
Taxis (Hackney Carriages), and Private Hire Vehicles together with their drivers and Private Hire Operators are licensed by local authorities. Licensing provides a visible assurance to the public that the vehicle has been checked every six months for safety and that the driver has been checked medically, and is a fit and proper person to hold a licence. Applicants also take a driving test and have a criminal records check before their licence is issued. The legislation covering taxi licensing are the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.
The main difference between Taxis (Hackney Carriages) and Private Hire Vehicles is that Taxis can ply for hire, i.e. the vehicle and driver are immediately available for hire, whilst Private Hire Vehicles must be booked in advance, through a licensed operator.
The Council can add conditions to the licences it issues and take steps to ensure that the conditions are complied with. The Authority, working with other local authorities and the Police, also strives to detect and prevent unlicensed Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles from operating in the area. The Licensing Team in the Public Protection Service investigates complaints about licensed drivers and operators. The Environment and Licensing Committee meets regularly to decide upon contentious applications.
If you wish to make a complaint about a taxi driver, vehicle or operator please contact Customer Services on Tel: 0115 901 3971. Please give as much details as you can about your complaint and the information will be passed to the Licensing Team to investigate.
Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers Licence (Taxi Driver)
This Authority issue a combined Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Drivers Licence which allow the holder to drive both hackney carriage and private hire vehicles (see below for vehicle licensing).
In order to apply for a licence the applicant is required to complete an application form and comply with the necessary tests and checks. Please see the application pack under ' Taxi Driver Application' for further information.
If you have any convictions, cautions or any other type of offence please refer to the 'Statement of Taxi Driver Licensing Policy' under 'Useful Documents' for guidance on how your application will be dealt with. Please be aware that the Customer Service staff cannot advise you as to the decision of the Authority with regard to your application as each case is decided on it's merits.
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licence
To apply for a vehicle licence please refer to the vehicle testing manual, vehicle specification and age policy under 'Vehicle Application' before you book your vehicle in for testing. To book the vehicle in for testing please contact Customer Services on Tel: 0115 9013971. Please be aware that the Customer Service staff cannot advise on whether you vehicle will pass the test.
Applications
Each PDF application form contains details of the appropriate fees.
You will need to contact Customer Services to obtain a numbered Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) application form (issued by the CRB to local authorities).
Current Fees
Driver
•Annual Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers non-refundable application fee £82.00 (new) and £65.50 (renewal).
•DVLA Check £5.00 - the application form (D796) and fee is sent direct by you to the DVLA and not Gedling Borough Council - please see application form for full details.
•Driving test fee £37 – To be booked directly with Nottingham City Council – Transport Services Office – and not Gedling Borough Council - Please see application form for full details (new only).
•Medical examination (new and renewal depending on age). This medical examination fee is paid by you directly to the medical examiner and not Gedling Borough Council - please see application form for details of the medical provider and contact them direct for the current fee.
•CRB check cost £44.00 (new and every 3 years for a renewal).
Total cost payable to Gedling Borough Council for a new driver application is £126.00 (this excludes the cost of the medical examination fee which you pay straight to the medical examiner, the DVLA check which you pay straight to the DVLA and the driving test cosr which you pay direct to Nottingham City Council).
Vehicle
•Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle licence fee (six months) £88.00 (new and renewal).
•Vehicle inspection £51.50.
•Plate deposit £40 (new licences only- refundable on return of the plate).
Total vehicle cost (six months) £139.50 plus plate deposit if a new vehicle.
If the vehicle fails the test the vehicle retest fee is £32.00.
Operator
•Annual Operators Licence £52.00 per vehicle for new and renewal.
Other costs
•Replacement plates £12.00.
•Replacement badges £12.00.
•Meter test £24.75
Changes to the licensing rules for private hire vehicles and drivers
Since January 2008 changes on private hire and taxi licensing have been introduced by Gedling Borough Council as a result of a change in national legislation by the Government.
Local limousines, airport travel, chauffeur services, novelty vehicles, executive hire, park and ride and other operators are now required to be licensed with the Council .
The licensing laws mean the Council can carry out safety checks on vehicles and their drivers to ensure public safety. People hiring vehicles will be safer in the knowledge that businesses are licensed and drivers have been Criminal Records Bureau vetted by the Council.
Vehicle operators must now contact the Council as soon as possible. Businesses and drivers working whilst not properly licensed could face prosecution, with significant fines and costs. Vehicles previously exempted from being licensed under seven-day contracts now come under the new laws and must be licensed by the Council for the area they operate in.
http://www.gedling.gov.uk/businesslicen ... ces/taxis/