Private hire vehicles and drivers may only be despatched by a licensed private hire operator. A person can apply for an operator's licence to operate from a premises within the Borough.

Fares should be agreeable in advance and at the time of booking provided detailed journey information is given at the time of making a booking.

Operators must have a base and facility to take phone calls and record bookings.  This can range from a commercial office to the back bedroom of a domestic premises.  Operators are required to keep records of all their bookings, this may include paper logs or computer records.

No private hire driver or vehicle may work without taking bookings directly from an operator. They are not permitted by law to take bookings directly from a passenger.

For information on how to make an application for a Private Hire Operators Licence, please contact the Licensing Section.