Article: Licences - Hackney Carriage - Vehicle Licence Article Body Under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Transport Act 1985, licences are required for vehicles to be used as hackney carriages in the borough. Licences can be of four or twelve months duration, depending on the age of the vehicle. Who can apply Licences may be granted by the council to anyone wishing to operate a Hackney Carriage vehicle (subject to availablility, see below). The council 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. How to apply Subject to there being an available licence, arrange a vehicle test at the council's Smithies Lane test facility and then bring the relevant documents to the Licensing Duty Office at the Civic Hall, where a licence can be issued. The telephone number for the Smithies Lane office is 01226 774194. What happens next Vehicles must be presented for test in required livery, with door signs, top sign and meter in place. Insurance for public hire use to be produced at time of test. For further details, please contact Licensing using the contact details provided below. Once the vehicle has passed the test, it will be issued with a Certificate of Compliance. This will need to be brought to the Duty Office, along with valid insurance for the vehicle and the vehicle's V5 log book, where you will be issued with a vehicle licence and corresponding plates. You will not be issued a vehicle licence without these documents. 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 Email: regulatoryservices@barnsley.gov.uk Application form There is no application form required for this licence. You must bring the relevant documents to the Licensing Duty Office at the Civic, Eldon Street, Barnsley, S70 2JL. The Duty Office opening hours are 1pm to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 1pm to 4.30pm on Friday. Charges Vehicle licence administration charge - £150 annually for vehicles under five years old; £80 every four months for vehicles over five years). Vehicle test fee (test undertaken at Smithies Lane depot) - £45 Re-test fee - £20 Further information For further details on conditions applied to this licence, click on the following link: Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Conditions Methods of payment available The council provides a number of methods for making payments. Alternatively, pay by cash or cheque at the time of the test. Guidance notes The number of Hackney Carriages allowed to operate throughout the whole borough is restricted to 67 (no new plates are issued). Frequently Asked Questions Can I apply for a new hackney plate in town? There is currently a full quota of Hackney Carriage licences in place. Anyone wishing to apply for a licence will be advised to wait until there are some available. Can I have a plate which already is in force transferred to me? Yes, subject to completion of a transfer form and fee (£25). Is there an age limit on vehicles? No, provided the vehicle test is passed. Are the fees different for older vehicles? Yes, if the vehicle is under five years old, a twelve month licence is issued. Over five years old, a four month licence is issued. Do vehicles have to be tested again in the licence period? Yes, for vehicles under five years old an interim inspection is required after six months. Vehicles over five years old are currently licensed every four months and are not subject to an interim inspection. My partner would need to drive the hackney carriage for personal use - is this allowed? No, they would need to hold a hackney carriage driver licence to drive a licensed vehicle. Is there a set tariff of fares for hackney carriages? Yes, the fares are regulated by the council. For further details, please contact the Licensing Office using the contact details provided above, or view the current Hackney Carriage Tariff online. What if I change my vehicle ? To assist members of the trade to continue to operate and not be subjected to additional financial burdens when they upgrade a vehicle or where a vehicle has to be replaced following an accident the Council has agreed, following full consultation with the Trade Liaison Group, to make an allowance against the purchase of a new licence. The following link gives futher information on how licence fee allowances for change of vehicle are calculated.