Last Modified February 14, 2013
In Hertsmere there are two types of vehicle licence: Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle.
Hackney carriages are all-purpose built London-style, or black cabs. Private hire vehicles are usually saloon-type vehicles but include minibuses with up to, and including, eight passenger seats.
The basic difference between the two types of vehicle is that Hackney carriages can be flagged down off the street or on a rank and private hire vehicles must be pre-booked through an operator. If a private hire driver accepts a fare off the street without it being pre-booked, he is liable for prosecution. In addition, anyone taking a journey in a private hire vehicle which has been flagged down is not insured for the journey.
Each type of vehicle can only be driven by a licensed Hackney carriage/ private hire driver and all vehicles and drivers must be licensed before they can carry passengers for hire and reward. Operators must comply with specific regulations and drivers of all types of vehicles must pass a police check, medical, knowledge test and DVLA driving test. In addition all vehicles must meet specific criteria and safety standards.
All vehicles must display a Hertsmere plate on the outside of the vehicle to the rear, and private hire vehicles must also display a small badge inside the car on the windscreen. These plates display the details of the car, together with an identification number and a date when the plate expires. Drivers must also display an identity badge that bears their photograph, licence number and when the licence expires.
For more information:
For further information on licensing please contact us at the address below or email licensing@hertsmere.gov.uk