Legal requirements
There is lots of different legislation governing proprietors and vehicles, but the main laws covering the licensing of private hire vehicles are contained in Part II, Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
The act says we cannot limit the number of vehicle licences and must grant a vehicle licence if we are satisfied that:
- your car is of suitable design and appearance and have such distinguishing marks as to identify it as a taxi (see technical specifications)
- your car is mechanically suitable
- your car is insured for private hire
- your car is constructed or adapted to seat no more than 8 passengers
- you are responsible for the keeping and running of the vehicle either solely or in partnership with other persons
- your licence, if renewed, will be for one vehicle at any one time
- you have been honest in supplying information to us and must not, under any circumstances, make a false statement at any time to obtain your vehicle licence (this is a serious offence)