Consultation on draft Taxi Licensing Policy
Have your say
The Council would like your views on the rules for taxi and private hire drivers in the Borough.
We're carrying out a public consultation to produce a Taxi Licensing Policy that will cover a range of areas, including:
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks;
- safeguarding training to support and protect vulnerable passengers;
- driver training;
- dress code; and
- signage for private hire vehicles.
In drafting the Statement of Taxi Licensing Policy, the current set of policies and conditions have been reviewed to bring them in line with the Department for Transport guidance and also to address matters raised through consultation with the taxi trades in the Borough of Eastleigh. The policy relates to the licensing of hackney carriages and drivers, private hire vehicles and drivers and private hire operators.
We are now consulting on this draft Taxi Licensing Policy and welcome feedback from all residents, businesses & partners on these proposals. Now is your opportunity to have your say.
What are we proposing?
In order to comply with the Department for Transport (DfT) statutory guidance and to address matters raised in discussion with local taxi trade, the most significant proposed changes to current policy are:
- Drivers will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check every 6 months instead of every 3 years – This change follows DfT guidance.
- Vehicle proprietors (vehicle owners) will be required to produce a basic DBS check – This change follows DfT guidance.
- Private hire operators will be required to produce a basic DBS check – This change follows DfT guidance.
- Private hire operators will be required to have a policy on employing ex-offenders – This change follows DfT guidance.
- A requirement of identification stickers on both sides of a private hire vehicle as an added safety feature and give a 3 digit identification number.
Give us your views
The consultation closes 8 Nov 2021