Article: Licences - Private Hire Vehicle - Vehicle Licence Article Body Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, licences are required for vehicles to be used as private hire vehicles in the borough of Barnsley. Licences can be of four months or twelve months duration, depending on the age of the vehicle. 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 the council's vehicle testing criteria and relevant legislation. How to apply 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 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 information 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 There is no application form required for this licence. You must bring the relevant documents to the Licensing Duty Office at the Civic Hall, 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 - £140 annually for vehicles under five years old; £76.66 every four months for vehicles over five years old. 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 :- Private Hire Vehicle Licence Conditions Methods of payment The council provides a number of methods for making payment of licence fees. How the customer can help Insurance to be produced at time of test for private hire use. Vehicles must be presented with door signs in place (trade name / telephone number / advanced booking only signs). Frequently Asked Questions Is there a limit on the number of private hire vehicles that may be licensed? No. Can private hire vehicles pick up fares on the street and taxi rank? No, all work must be pre-booked through the private hire operator. What other licences do I need to run a Private Hire business? A private hire operators licence issued by the council. What fares may be charged, are they regulated? Private hire fares are not fixed by the council. The fares are at the discretion of the proprietor/operator. 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.