Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licences

Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licences

Summary

Licences are required for vehicles to be used as Hackney Carriages in the Borough, licences can be of 6 or 12 months duration depending on the age of the vehicle.

Eligibility

Licences may be granted by the Council who are required to be satisfied that vehicles are safe and suitable for the purpose, having regard to vehicle test criteria, by-laws and relevant legislation.

Procedure

A vehicle test to be arranged at the Council's Smithies Lane test facility.

Helplines

Regulatory Services, Licensing: 01226 772468 or email: Regulatory Services

Charges/Fees

Vehicle licence administration charge - £46 (annually for vehicles under 5 years old, 6 monthly for older vehicles).

Full Inspection Fee - £40
Re-test Fee - £10

Methods of Payment Available

Cash or cheque to be paid at the time of test.

How the customer can help

Insurance to be produced at time of test for public hire use.

Vehicles must be presented in required livery, with door signs, top sign and meter in place. For further details, please contact the Licensing Officer using the contact details provided above.

Application Form References

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council application for Hackney Carriage Licence.

Leaflets

Hackney Carriage Byelaws.
Vehicle Testing Criteria.
Guidance Notes.

Distribution Points and Opening Times/Location

The new Licensing Office is now open at the Civic Hall, Eldon Street. Our office at the Civic Hall is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. 
Bus & Train - The Civic Hall, Eldon Street is within easy walking distance of Barnsley Transport Interchange.

Legislation

• Town Police Clauses Act 1847
• Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976
• Transport Act 1985

Response Times/Next Steps

The test is usually arranged to take place within 10 days of receipt of an application, with the licence issued within 7 days thereafter.

Out of Hours Procedure

No out of hours procedure for this service.

Contact Details

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Regulatory Services
PO Box 602
Barnsley
S70 9FB

Phone: Regulatory Services 01226 772468
Email: Regulatory Services

Additional Notes

The number of Hackney carriages allowed to operate throughout the whole Borough is restricted to 56 (no new plates are issued). However, rural places may be issued where a demand can be demonstrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q Can I apply for a new Hackney plate in town?

A No, the plates are restricted.

Q Can I have a plate which already is in force transferred to me?

A Yes, subject to completion of a transfer form and fee (£15).

Q Is there an age limit on vehicles?

A No, provided the vehicle test is passed.

Q Are the fees different for older vehicles?

A Yes, if the vehicle is under 5 years old a 12 month licence is issued and over 5 years old a 6 month licence is issued.

Q Do vehicles have to be tested again in the licence period?

A Yes, an interim inspection is required after 6 months (vehicles under 5 years old) and every 3 months (vehicles over 5 years old).

Q My wife would need to drive the Hackney Carriage for personal use, is this allowed?

A No, she would need to hold a Hackney Carriage driver licence to drive a licenced vehicle.

Q Is there a set tariff of fares for Hackney Carriages?

A Yes, the fares are regulated by the Council. For further details, please contact the Licensing Officer using the contact details provided above.

Last modified on 22/5/2008