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Private hire & hackney carriage - Introduction to licensing

Learn about Hertsmere's licensing policies and how you may obtain a license for private hire and hackney carriages.

Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, the Licensing Section undertakes the licensing of Hackney Carriage Drivers and Vehicles and Private Hire Operators, Drivers and Vehicles.

Hertsmere Borough Council makes sure the taxi and private hire trade in Hertsmere is operated in a professional manner and that the correct standards of safety and comfort are satisfied by all vehicle drivers and operators.

In this borough there are two types of vehicle licensed: Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicles. They are easily distinguished from each other by the fact that Hackney Carriages are all purpose built 'London style' Cabs (you may know them as 'black cabs'.

Private Hire Vehicles are usually 'saloon type' vehicles but include minibuses with up to and including 8 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. It is also important to note that anyone taking a journey in a Private Hire Vehicle which has been 'flagged down' is not insured for the journey.

Both types of vehicle can only be driven by a licensed Hackney Carriage/ Private Hire Driver.

Hertsmere Borough Council Licensing Officers must licence all Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers and vehicles before they can carry passengers for hire and reward. All 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, as well as a small badge inside the car on the windscreen (Private Hire vehicles only). These plates display the details of the car together with an identification number and when the plate expires. In addition all drivers must display an identity badge issued by Hertsmere Borough Council that bears the drivers photograph, licence number and when the licence expires.

For information please click on the link below:

For further information on Private Hire & Hackney Carriage Licensing Please contact the Licensing Team using the details below.  

Telephone either:

  • 020 8207 7551
  • 020 8207 7580 
  • 020 8207 7552 
  • or, 020 8207 7533

Email:

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