Article: Licences - Private Hire Vehicle - Operators Licence Article Body Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, a Private Hire Operator's licence is required to operate private hire vehicles. Essentially, it is a licence to run a taxi business where bookings are taken from customers and recorded by the operator. Licences are of 12 months duration. The council, before granting a licence, must be satisfied that an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold such a licence and ensure that the operation of the business will not cause nuisance or obstruction problems to neighbouring premises. How to apply Applications can be made using the downloadable forms available on this webpage, or using an application form available from the Licensing Duty Office. If the applicant/operator is not a licensed Private Hire or Hackney Carriage Driver, a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check also needs to be completed. By Post Postal applications may be made by sending a completed form (see Application Forms below), along with any accompanying documents that are required, to The Licensing Section, Regulatory Services, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, PO Box 602, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 9FB. Please ensure you enclose a cheque for the correct amount, made payable to Barnsley MBC. Your application will not be considered to be valid without receipt of the necessary payment. In Person Applications may be made in person by submitting a completed form (see Application Forms below), with any accompanying documents that are required, at the Licensing Duty Office, Civic Hall, Eldon Street, Barnsley, S70 2JL. Payment may be made at the adjacent Barnsley Connects office using cash, cheque or credit/debit card. The Duty Office opening hours are 1pm to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 1pm to 4.30pm on Friday. What happens next Upon receipt of an application, the council will, if satisfied the applicant is "fit and proper", issue an operators licence. The council aims to process applications within 21 days. Contact details Barnsley Council Regulatory Services PO Box 602 Barnsley S70 9FB Our office hours are 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday. Phone: 01226 772468 Fax: 01226 775699 Email: regulatoryservices@barnsley.gov.uk Application Form Application Form for Private Hire Operators Licence Charges New Operators Licence: £400 Renewal of Operators Licence: £320 The same fee applies irrespective of the number of vehicles operating. Further information For further details of conditions applied to this licence, click on the following link :- Private Hire Operators Licence Conditions Methods of payment The council provides a number of methods for making payment of licence fees. CRB (Criminal Records Bureau check) CRB checks must now be completed at the council's Human Resources department. In order for you to do this you need to make an appointment to ensure someone is available to complete the form for you. To make an appointment phone 01226 787690 or 01226 772264. Appointments are available Monday and Wednesday afternoons. The fee for an enhanced CRB check is to be paid at the time of making the application. You must take proof of your National Insurance number, address and your driving licence (both parts). If you have a valid passport, you must also take that. How the customer can help Provide proof of ID, such as passport, driving licence and so on. Produce planning approval (in certain cases). Frequently asked questions How many vehicles can I operate without planning permission? Planning permission is not required for one vehicle. Can I obtain an operators licence for a council house? It may be possible, but written permission from the landlord is needed. This also applies to Housing Association premises.