The Council has a duty to license taxis ('hackney carriages'), private hire vehicles and persons driving or operating these vehicles. Licensing vehicles and drivers ensures minimum safety standards are met and provides protection for the travelling public.
Taxis and private hire vehicles can be licensed to carry up to eight passengers but they operate in different ways. Once a vehicle is licensed as a taxi or private hire vehicle, it can only be driven by a person who holds a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver's Licence issued by the Council. Driving a licensed vehicle without the appropriate licence is an offence. If you need further advice, please contact us at licensing@torridge.gov.uk
In order to drive a taxi (hackney carriage) or a private hire vehicle you will require a driver licence. The Council issues combined Taxi (Hackney Carriage) and Private Hire driver licences so you will only need one licence to drive either type of vehicle.
Taxis (sometimes referred to as hackney carriages) may ply for hire on any public road, street or thoroughfare and wait on appointed taxi ranks. A licence is required before you can use a vehicle for hire and reward.
Private Hire Vehicles are not allowed to ply for hire in the same way as a hackney carriage. The vehicle must be booked in advance of the hiring. This is normally done via the telephone or in person at a booking office.
View the current taxi/private hire licence fees
As part of its commitment to improving its regulatory services, the Council has developed a licensing policy for hackney carriages ('taxis') and private hire vehicles. The policy explains the Council's approach to licensing vehicles, drivers and operators. It also sets out the standards it proposes to apply when dealing with licence applications and carrying out enforcement action. The Policy will be reviewed every three years and may be amended from time to time in the light of new legislation or in response to emerging regulatory requirements.
There are currently 4 licensed hackney carriages that are wheelchair accessible. Members of the public who use a wheelchair can safely access and be transported in these vehicles. Drivers have a duty in law to provide reasonable assistance to any passengers who wish to travel in a licensed vehicle in their wheelchair. A list of wheelchair accessible vehicles and contact numbers is available in the downloads section.
The Council commissioned its latest study into demand for hackney carriage ('taxi') services in Torridge District in 2019.
