Taxi Licensing
Guidelines on Application Process Timeframes
Applicants are required to submit their application, supporting documentation and pay the fee for new drivers, driver renewals, new vehicles, vehicle renewals, new operators and operator renewals, in line with the following timeframes:-
Driver applications - 6 weeks before the licence is needed or due to expire;- 6 weeks is from when all required documentation is received.
Vehicle applications - 4 weeks before the licence is needed or due to expire; 4 weeks is from when all required documentation is received.
Operator applications - 6 weeks before the licence is needed or due to expire; 6 weeks is from when all documentation is received.
For Example- if you submit an application but fail to provide payment and fail to supply all supporting documentation, your application will not be processed within the above time frame. Only when we have all requirements of the application process, can the application be determined and processed within the above time frame.
Please note that the issue of new or renewal licences may be delayed if submitted later than set out above.
We will only accept completed applications, with all relevant documentation and/or information attached as required and the fee paid in full. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all aspects and requirements for the applications are complete.
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire (Taxi) Policy Consultation
South Holland District Council are consulting on a draft revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. A copy of the draft Policy can be found here - Draft Taxi Policy 2023 (PDF) [769KB] (opens new window)
The consultation will run until 10th October 2023.
We'd welcome feedback from individuals and organisations that have an interest in the taxi trade. This includes:-
- Taxi vehicle operators and drivers;
- Taxi vehicle users;
- Disability access groups;
- Local Businesses;
- Approved testing Garages
- Lincolnshire County Council
- Neighbouring local authorities
- Other public transport providers
- SHDC Elected Members
- Parish Councils
- Other individuals or organisations with a relevant interest.
The Policy has been updated in a number of areas. Significant changes are in red text for ease of identification, however a number of more minor detail changes have been made to keep the Policy up to date. Significant changes include those that we're now required to include to implement the new National Standards that relate to safeguarding of vulnerable adults children.
The Policy covers Hackney Carriage Vehicles, Private Hire Vehicles, Private Hire Operators and Private Hire / Hackney carriage drivers. It sets out the approach that the Council will take, as the Licensing Authority and Regulator, when dealing with these matters. It sets out the expectations in respect of these, including the application process and the required standards to me met and maintained. It sets out how we'll deal with issues and non-compliance, including the sanctions available and how they'll be used. It also sets out how we will use and share information, including with other agencies, to ensure that vehicles are safe and accessible; and that drivers and operators don't pose a risk to members of the public.
We'd welcome feedback on how well the Policy meets the requirements mentioned above. When submitting feedback, this can relate to the Policy as a whole, or just a small part of the policy if that's all that's relevant to you.
Please submit your response to licensing@sholland.gov.uk, putting the words Taxi Policy Feedback in the subject line, or send it to The Licensing Team, South Holland District Council, Priory Road, Spalding. PE11 2XE.
Taxi Licensing policy
View our Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing policy (PDF) [454KB] (opens new window) .
At the meeting of the Licensing committee on 15th July 2021 it was agreed that some changes would be made to the Taxi Licensing Policy to reflect the new National Standards for Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-taxi-and-private-hire-vehicle-standards
Members of the Committee agreed an immediate change to the policy on the self-reporting of convictions, penalty notices, endorsements and or cautions, from 7 days to 48 hours. Appendix F of the current policy should therefore now read:
"The driver shall notify to the Council details in writing within 48 hours of any convictions, penalty notices, endorsements and/or cautions imposed on him/her during the period of the licence."
Members also agreed to adopt, with immediate effect, the Criminal Convictions and Rehabilitation Assessment of Previous Convictions as set out in section 5.15 and the Annex to the Standards
Tax Checks for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers and Private Hire Operators
HMRC requires a tax check that will take place when people renew their licences to drive hackney carriages, drive and operate private hire vehicles.
This service has been created so that everyone pays the tax they should. HMRC is working with industry bodies to make this as straightforward as possible. The check should take a few minutes to complete to confirm that someone is correctly registered for tax.
You will need to complete a tax check when you apply or renew your licence as a:
· driver of a taxi (hackney carriage) (dual licences)
· driver of a private hire vehicle (dual licences)
· private hire vehicle operator
Please read this tax check factsheet to understand what is required, as this will apply to all renewals and new applicants.
Find further information at Guidance on how to complete a tax check for a hackney carriage or private hire licence.
Approved garages
View the list of approved local garages (PDF) [15KB] (opens new window) .
If you require further information, or wish to make a complaint about a taxi vehicle, driver or operator, please get touch using our general licensing enquiry service.