This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Although that review concluded that Leeds own procedures and policies were comprehensive, effective and robust, it was agreed there was still more which could be done. Details of agenda item Taxi & Private Hire Licensing - Leeds City Council Assessment Against Statutory Guidance from the Department of Transport. The taxi and private hire licensing trade raised some concerns regarding the proposals for how minor motoring convictions would be considered, and councillors in Leeds agreed to pause the implementation of that part of the . The meeting of Leeds City Councils licensing committee on Tuesday 9 August will consider the outcome of the consultation process and consider several options regarding the threshold at which action is taken in cases concerning taxi and private hire driver licenses or new applications with minor motoring convictions. It does not store any personal data. Support was also available for those working in the trade when the scheme was originally open last year. Safeguarding in taxi and private hire licensing is top of the agenda. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The recommendations of the licensing committee will now be considered for adoption at the next meeting of Leeds City Councils executive board on September 21. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Wheel Private Hire is now part of the Amber Cars family. In England (outside London), Hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire licences are issued by local Councils to control the safe operation of Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles being used for hire or reward. Notify a conviction, allegation, or pending matter. Application to transfer a private hire vehicle licence. At the next meeting of the council's executive board, on Wednesday 16 December, members will hear how work has progressed to improve safeguarding measures in taxi and private hire licensing over the past year. If your licence is at risk of being revoked, your first application for a licence has been refused or you want to Applicants should be due to renew their Leeds licence between March 1 this year and March 31 next year and must also meet the councils current licensing standards. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Hillcrest House (Leeds), LS9 6NF, 386 Harehills Lane, LEEDS, . All revocations will be reviewed by a subcommittee of councillors from the licensing committee. Climate control. Leeds City Councils taxi and private hire licensing team is responsible for making sure that drivers, vehicles and operators meet the terms of their licence and that the trade in Leeds is operated in a professional manner. Taxi and private hire licensing. communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk. Amber Cars offer taxi hire & private hire services across Leeds. The results of that consultation were reported back to all councils with all councils adopting the policy during 2019/2020. DOC. We deal with all aspects of taxi licensing and can represent your interests at the police station, licensing Sheffield Council is offering a number of grants and loans, using Government funding, so drivers can upgrade their vehicles and avoid paying the penalty. The guidance states that applicants with multiple motoring convictions may indicate that the driver does not exhibit the behaviours of a safe road user or one that is suitable to drive professionally. You're entitled to contact the LGO without completing our complaints procedure, but in such cases the LGO may refer your complaint back to us, to allow us the opportunity to resolve your issue. Registered in England and Wales Number 7724985 Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA number: 563196. Last updated 13 July 2022 + show all updates. 1 - 4 passengers. Notify a change of address details. At the next meeting of the council's executive board, on Wednesday 14 December, members will hear how work to improve safeguarding measures in taxi and private hire licensing has progressed over the past year. Further to this new set of standards, Leeds City Council's Licensing Committee have determined that for a 12-month pilot, any decision to revoke a licence on the basis of minor motoring convictions will be determined by a Licensing Sub Committee. Plan a journey and favourite it for quick access in the future, Choose postcodes, stations and places for quick journey planning, information available about the types of licensing queries, London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority. Leeds City Council communications and marketing, Leeds City Council Communications team They take a customer-centric approach to their work. However when the applicant is new to the UK there is often not enough information available about the applicant to allow a proportionate assessment to be made based on a DBS disclosure. 1985, authorises the holder of a taxi or private hire vehicle licence to operate local services. result in your appeal being refused. They may stop anywhere to pick up or drop off their passengers. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Call us on 0113 2022 117. . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies for this visit and subsequent visits. The board will also hear about new policies which have been introduced to help strengthen the ability of the councils licensing team to protect the travelling public, by reducing the risk of unacceptable applicants from obtaining licenses and to take action when any issues with existing license holders arise. Taxi policy, guidance and byelaws - 2022. It's free of charge! Download. (Note: Applications for Vehicle Licence Transfers can take up to two weeks and are processed in order of receipt.) Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Premises licenses and certificates, Personal licenses and Temporary event notices. Set out below is a list of the local council authorities where many Uber partner-drivers have chosen to obtain their private hire driver licence in the UK. We have also been working for some time alongside York and all other authorities in West Yorkshire to establish a series of common licensing standards that will mitigate any potential impact of the new deregulation rules and ensure we have a common approach to safeguarding and public safety across our region.. 4 Seater From 115.00 E-Class From 195.00 8 Seater From 165.00 V-Class From 345.00. Customer Correspondence Manager If you wish to do this you should follow the appeals procedure as detailed in our decision letter. All Rights Reserved. The time and costs required to obtain a licence vary by council, as shown by the estimates set out above. 04/11/2015. Read about our approach to external linking. Renew your Hackney Carriage (Taxi) Driver licence. Councillors to consider taxi and private hire licence changes to improve public safety in Leeds. For any new applications for a taxi and private hire drivers' licence, licenses will not be granted if the driver has already accrued seven or more points for minor motoring convictions. . attached that are not reasonable? Department for Transport releases guidelines for fitting safety screens but leaves responsibility for approval to councils, Gett rumoured to be heading for stock market IPO following rumours of merger talks . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They would be able to continue working and could still renew their licence. . We advise that all applications be made and submitted via the GOV.UK website (where applicable) or via email to licensing@birmingham.gov.uk. Cookie Policy Call. Total estimated time to obtain a PHVL: 2 Weeks. expected to travel, the number of coaches booked, the name and the contact number for the . To enable us to conduct a full investigation into your complaint you should include as much detail as possible. The council announced in October last year that improvements in air quality and a rise in the number of cleaner, greener vehicles on the citys roads meant the CAZ scheme did not need to go ahead. Find out about the Energy Crisis Support Scheme. Of these, officers considered it appropriate to revoke the licences of five drivers, with the remainder requiring formal warnings or additional training. Schemes being put in place by the council mean more than 7.5m worth of support is on offer to taxi and private hire drivers and operators, whose business has been significantly hit by Covid-19. Please note that the estimated times listed above, whilst generally accurate in our experience, are indicative only and are subject to change depending on current levels of demand. These policies include new stronger convictions criteria which are now fully embedded in the service and are being considered for adoption as a national policy, as well as a new policy which allows officers to immediately suspend a license holder whenever a safeguarding or public safety concern is raised. Amber Cars is one of the largest private hire operators in Leeds, UK. The current standard in Leeds is 12 points on a drivers licence before action is taken, but work has been progressed to consider changes considering the national Institute of Licensing framework which was introduced in 2018 and includes a lower threshold of seven points as the recommended standard where formal action should be considered. Book a taxi online with us today or download our free app. Taxi Private Hire fare from Birmingham to London, book online or call us at +441613270405 . The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Call us now. For any new applications for a taxi and private hire drivers licence, applications would not be granted if the driver has already accrued seven or more points. Taxi drivers in Leeds who get seven points on their licence could be ordered to get extra driving training to keep their jobs. The council must have regard to the guidance and have a clear and compelling reason not to implement the standards it sets. The board will hear that the actions already taken include: compulsory safeguarding training for all drivers, operators and escorts; a change in policy for applicants born outside of the UK; the introduction of online annual criminal records checks and; a new reporting system to enable immediate enforcement action to be taken. Learn how to get your private hire licence with ease through our free Ignition Programme. Our cross council safeguarding group, which includes representatives from the citys adult and childrens safeguarding boards, has been closely involved in developing our new policies and procedures. We license the drivers and owners of taxis and private hire vehicles (minicabs) who operate in London. 0.6 mi | 42 Bridge End, Leeds, LS1 4DJ. Funded as part of the councils direct response to the COVID-19 crisis, the free three-year licence renewals will be worth 450 to most taxi and private hire drivers. You can view our most up to date licence figures on Data Mill North. Total estimated time to obtain a PHDL: 10 Weeks. Across the board, schemes being put in place by the council mean more than 7.5m worth of support is on offer to taxi and private hire drivers and operators. Councillor James Gibson, chair of the licensing committee, said: As a committee we closely considered the proposal and the representations received along with the statutory guidance and the Institute of Licensing framework, which recommends the implementation of a seven-point threshold. Since 1988. Licensing service updates will continue to be posted on the Taxi and private hire bulletin. The Council is making 2.5million available to fund free three-year taxi and private hire license renewals for drivers, while drivers and operators with a Leeds business address will also be able to apply for 500 grants following the reopening later this month of a coronavirus support scheme for businesses with low fixed property costs. The executive board is also being asked to approve a new policy in respect of the fit and proper person assessment for applicants born outside of the UK. To contact us about licensing or any other element of our service: There is information available about the types of licensing queries you can contact us about. Buses, coaches and HGV drivers face a 50 daily charge while vans, minibuses, private hire taxis and hackney carriages will pay 10 when the zone is implemented around the inner ring road. It will also include further work on safeguarding including training on child sexual exploitation and human trafficking and the adopting a standard convictions policy and convictions criteria.. Don't Hesitate To Contact Us. The General Manager will conduct a final review, usually within 10 working days, and a response will be issued outlining our final position. To contact us about licensing or any other element of our service: email us at: tph.enquiries@tfl.gov.uk 0 Comments We are the fastest taxi firm and private hire operators in East Leeds. Councillor Mary Harland, chair of the licensing committee said: The safety of the public travelling around our city is paramount and it is our responsibility to minimise any risk posed to people using a taxi or private hire vehicle. Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council deputy leader, said the final plan addresses drivers' concerns but would also improve public safety. We will aim to respond to your email as soon as we can. Drivers with nine points would be stripped of their badge for at least five years, as part of planned changes to the council's taxi and private hire standards. . Leeds City Council Communications team 5 Endeavour Square Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: The pandemic has had a major impact on people working in many different sectors across Leeds, with taxi and private hire drivers among those most seriously affected. Official local authority website for Leeds providing information on local services. This policy sets out our approach to hackney carriage and private hire licensing to provide transparency and consistency . Are you a taxi driver, proprietor, or operator and a licence has been refused, suspended, revoked or has conditions These drivers are part of the lifeblood of our city and we are determined to do as much as we can to help protect their livelihoods., He continued: In addition, many people, especially those with mobility needs or a disability, rely on taxis and private hire vehicles to get around. Stratford, London Please note that the estimated times listed . When you need a taxi in East Leeds you can easily book a cab by giving us a call on 0113 249 9999, book online or download our easy-to-use app. Amber Cars 2023. The proposed new policy would require non-UK applicants to obtain a full criminal disclosure from their country of birth and any other countries in which they have lived. Taxi and Private Hire The free three-year license renewals will be worth 450 to most taxi and private hire drivers who need to renew their Leeds license between March 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022. The information provided on this web page is intended for informational purposes only and may not be applicable in your country, region, or city. Following issues raised in the 2014 report into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham about safeguarding controls in taxi and private hire licensing, Leeds City Council decided it was prudent to review its own safeguarding arrangements. Taxi and private hire drivers and operators with a Leeds business address will also be able to apply for 500 grants following the reopening later this month of a coronavirus support scheme for businesses with low fixed property costs. South Leeds Office Number: (0113) 277 7222. We make getting your PCO licence a simple, stress-free process . If you're struggling to pay higher energy bills; you may be eligible for a 400 payment through the Council's Energy Crisis Support Scheme. interviews, licensing committee, Magistrates Court as well as the Crown Court. I believe the proposal we have recommended to executive board strikes the right balance between protecting the travelling public and proactively supporting the taxi and private hire trade across Leeds, through the introduction of additional training and the consideration of cases on individual basis at the nine-point threshold. The council is making 2.5m available to fund free three-year taxi and private hire licence renewals for drivers, delivering a timely boost to a trade that has been particularly badly affected by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Safeguarding is a complex issue and one which requires a partnership approach to deal with. Details of agenda item Taxi & Private Hire Licensing - Proposed Suitability Policy and update on Policy Harmonisation with West Yorkshire & York authorities. They are vital to our economy and so often go above and beyond to support vulnerable people in our communities., Leeds City Council Communications team Contact Details Athlone St, Leeds, LS12 1UB . The Local Government Ombudsman The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Annual declaration and statement of medical fitness. Of the 5369 disclosures which were returned as part of this new process, 70 new convictions or cautions were revealed which had not been previously disclosed. The council is making 2.5m available to fund free three-year taxi and private hire licence renewals for drivers, delivering a timely boost to a trade that has been particularly badly affected by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHDL: 301. Your form has been successfully submitted. For any new applications for a taxi and private hire drivers licence, licenses will not be granted if the driver has already accrued seven or more points for minor motoring convictions. Failure to meet the deadlines can Committee recommend changes to taxi and private hire driver licence standards to improve public safety in Leeds. As a taxi or professional driver we know how important it is for you to keep your licence for your work. Reports will be used to inform future deployments. book a cab by giving us a call on 0113 249 9999, book online or download our, Social Media Competition Rules and Guidelines. For a quote, please ring the contact centre team who will be happy to . There are strict time limits in which you must lodge a taxi licensing appeal. I also believe that the proposed amendments are also a fair reflection of the consultation work that has been ongoing to ensure the voices of both the trade and travelling public are fairly reflected in the outcome of any changes in the licensing standards.". Medical. The Private Hire operator shall retain a copy of the Hackney Carriage vehicle licence granted by another Authority along with a copy of the MOT certificate, certificate and policy of insurance and vehicle registration document and forward a copy of those documents to the Leeds City Council, Taxi & Private Hire Licensing Office within 72 hours. In coming to the recommendation, the committee considered the representations received from the public consultation together with the statutory guidance and the Institute of Licensing Framework. This is why it is prudent to regularly review our safeguarding policies and ensure we have robust checks in place when issuing and renewing licenses. About this policy. The free three-year license renewals will be worth 450 to most taxi and private hire drivers and applicants should be due to renew their Leeds license between March 1 this year and March 31 next . The board will also hear that since January 2015 over 1100 licence holders have attended a Child Sexual Exploitation awareness session, which is now a compulsory part of the licence application and renewal process. It is essential that you seek expert legal advice straight away. Owners who bought an eligible vehicle on or after February 29 last year, for example, can apply for a transitional grant worth 2,100. Wheels Private Hire is the fastest taxi service and private hire operator in East Leeds. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. All Rights Reserved Find amazing local prices on Private hire for sale in Glasgow Shop hassle-free with Gumtree, your local buying & selling community. Hackney carriages and private hire service Shearbridge Depot Shearbridge Road Bradford BD7 1PU. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Please note: The DBS checking service run by Occupational . We will respond to your complaint within 10 working days. The recommended set of standards were developed as a result of the public consultation, in order to achieve the right balance between public safety, whilst proactively supporting the taxi and private hire trade in Leeds. They must also meet the councils current licensing standards. Book your transfer quickly and easily by booking online, or via our mobile app. Taxis. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Open now Closes at 24:00. However, drivers said the new rules would be "devastating" for those already impacted by Covid and the rising cost of living. "This will affect drivers mentally, financially and in other ways and it's wrong.". These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The current standard in Leeds is that taxi and private hire drivers can accrue 12 points on their driver's licence before any action is taken. That work will include a scheme of shared delegated powers across York and all West Yorkshire authorities to enable Licensing and Enforcement Officers to carry out inspections and suspension powers on vehicles licensed by any of these authorities. The councils executive board, will next week, hear about the progress which has been made to further strengthen these arrangements. Registered Office Studio 23, 6 Friendly Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1RD communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk. Currently, action would only be taken if the driver had 12 points. If you are required to attend an interview under caution with licensing officers contact us. We're open 08:00-18:00 Monday to Friday (excl. communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk. If a driver accumulates nine points or more, their case would be reviewed on an individual basis and they may be required to attend training or the decision could be taken to revoke their licence. A planned eight-hour taxi driver strike on Saturday has led Leeds City Council to warn people to plan their travel in advance. In the latest consultation, more than 2,200 responses were received, with a clear split in the views expressed with those from the trade being opposed to the changes and the general public being supportive, with some calling for stricter restrictions to be introduced than those proposed. Transfer of vehicle licence application form [PDF 525KB]. I look forward to receiving the outcome and recommendations from licensing committee when it has had an opportunity to consider this matter on 9 August., To see the full report to be considered by the licensing committee go to https://bit.ly/3bifmP9. Guidance notes, conditions, byelaws, driver's handbook and additional information documents. Applications and renewals, DBS checks and information for passengers. Alcohol and entertainment. Hundreds of taxi and private hire drivers in Leeds have gone on strike today (Monday 17 January) over plans to revoke their licences if they get six or more penalty points in a year. Find out how to apply for pavement (street cafe) licences in Leeds and view and comment current licence . The council said it had listened to feedback and had watered down a tougher plan which would have meant drivers with seven points automatically had their badges revoked. External link; Taxi and private hire licensing policy and procedures. leeds taxi and private hire licensing contact number. June 16, 2022. Licence costs. Online payment. Licensing committee to discuss report on 9 August. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. authorises the holder of a taxi or private hire vehicle licence to operate local . Application to operate private hire vehicles. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Overall the change in standards would affect less than 1.5% of all current licence holders in Leeds with more than 80% of taxi and private hire drivers currently having no points on their licence . This procedure outlines how you can complain to us about the services we provide or the drivers and operators we license. Contact details. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter', Why half of India's urban women stay at home. The councils executive board will next week hear about the progress which has been made to further strengthen these arrangements, two years after this was first agreed. The previous standard in Leeds was that taxi and private hire drivers could accrue 12 points on . In a normal year, it is estimated that more than 30 million journeys are made by taxis or private hire vehicles in Leeds. Transfer to a Private Hire Driver licence. Website. 2023 BBC. a) to recommend the adoption of the standards as consulted upon; b) to recommend an amended set of standards taking account of the consultation feedback; c) to recommend that the standard not be approved and that further work is undertaken. Members of the licensing committee are being asked to consider the options and make a recommendation to the councils executive board for consideration in September. Get Form For more details on low emission vehicle grants, visit https://www.leeds.gov.uk/business/licensing/taxi-and-private-hire-licensing/financial-support-overview. Secure Payments & Pre-authorisation, This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience moregot it. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". You can report touting or other illegal cab activity by submitting a form to us. Senior councillors will next week discuss how Leeds City Council is keeping people who use taxis and private hire vehicles in the city safe. For further information about these free renewals, visit https://www.leeds.gov.uk/business/licensing/taxi-and-private-hire-licensing/free-driver-licensing. Ahmad Hussain, from Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO), said: "Why change a policy where 98.5% of the system is working and people are complying. In order to tackle this issue regionally, Leeds has joined forces with the other West Yorkshire authorities and York City Council to work cohesively on taxi and private hire licensing policy, decision making and enforcement capabilities. Contact us about vehicle licensing. The suspension came under the Suitability and Convictions policy which came into place in February 2020. Approved licenses. These drivers are part of the lifeblood of our city and we are determined to do as much as we can to help protect their livelihoods. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Overall, the change in standards would affect less than 1.5 per cent of all current licence holders in Leeds, with over 80 per cent of taxi and private hire drivers in the city currently having no points on their licence whatsoever. Email : taxi.testing@bradford.gov.uk communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk. Coronavirus Pontefract Lane's largest private hire company, Book a local taxi with Wheels Private Hire. Fourth Floor - Area 4B The 1.9million funding for the transitional grants has been retained by the council after originally being secured as part of Leedss Clean Air Zone (CAZ) scheme, even though it was decided last October that improvements in air quality and a rise in the number of cleaner vehicles meant the CAZ scheme would not go ahead. This training is aimed at educating drivers to help avoid misunderstandings and help them identify any potential issues whilst carrying out their day to day job. One aspect the council must look at is the criminal history of the applicant and the potential risk posed to the public if a licence was granted, which is done via a DBS check.