TAXIS AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES
Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing
All taxi drivers, vehicles and operators are regulated under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, and other smaller pieces of legislation. Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles form a key element of the local transport network within the Horsham District.
There are two different types of vehicle operating in the Horsham District. A taxi (proper name 'hackney carriage') can be taken from a taxi rank or hailed in the street and the vehicle must be white in colour displaying a roof sign and fitted with a taximeter which measures the journey and calculates the cost. The price on the taximeter is the maximum price that a driver can charge but he or she may charge less. The meter must be used at all times so that the exact cost of the journey is clear.
Private hire vehicles (often described as minicabs) will not be white in colour and must be pre-booked as it is illegal for the driver of a private hire vehicle to pick up passengers if a telephone booking has not been confirmed. Unlike hackney carriages, private hire vehicles do not have to adhere to the fare tariff set by the Council and where they do not have a meter it is important always to agree the fare before travelling.
The licensing section vets all prospective drivers as well as ensuring that all vehicles are clean, mechanically sound, insured and above all safe.
Those taking a taxi or private hire vehicle are recommended to look out for the vehicle licence plate displayed to the rear of the vehicle together with the driver's identification badge. Together these are an assurance that the car and driver are properly licensed and authorised to carry the public.
Complaints
Should you have any complaints with regards the conduct or behaviour of any licensed hackney carriage or private hire driver or condition of the vehicle operating within the Horsham District you should initially contact the licensing section.
Applying to become a Licensed Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver
To apply to become a licensed driver you should contact the licensing section who will provide you with guidance and the necessary forms that you will need to complete for your application.
Contact us
Licensing Section:
Tel: (01403) 215471 / 215488
Fax: (01403) 215110
Email: licensing@horsham.gov.uk