Views are being sought on proposed changes to North Tyneside Council’s licensing policy for hackney carriages, private hire vehicles and drivers in the borough.
The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy sets out how the local authority makes decisions about new applications and licences currently in force.
Although the policy was reviewed as recently as February 2020, the government subsequently produced new Statutory National Standards for taxis and private hire vehicles.
The updated policy aims to incorporate these new minimum standards, which have been issued to all licensing authorities. Key changes include:
- Introduction of Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record check for vehicle proprietors
- Requirement of operators to maintain a register of booking staff and confirmation they have had sight of a Basic DBS certificate for these staff
- Periods for individuals to be free of convictions to be able to hold a licence
- New Passenger Guidance document
- The licensing authority making a referral to the DBS and the police following refusal/revocation of a driver’s licence where appropriate.
The public is invited to give their views on the policy, including the proposed updates by 8 April 2022.
The draft policy can be viewed, and feedback given, via the 'Have Your Say' section of the council website.
Alternatively it is available at Customer Service Centres or can be requested by emailing: stephanie.graham@northtyneside.gov.uk. Comments can also be emailed to stephanie.graham@northtyneside.gov.uk or by writing to: Licensing, Block C, Harvey Combe, Killingworth, NE12 6UB.
The taxi licensing service is delivered on behalf of North Tyneside Council by its partner Capita.
