Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2021-2026 Consultation
A 6 week consultation is underway for our new Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2021-2026. The deadline for submitting comments is 21 June 2021.
Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Information
Please note: If you need to see a member of the Licensing section, they will only be available between the hours of 10.00am and 12.00 noon and 2.00pm and 4.00pm. Email us at: licensing@surreyheath.gov.uk
Lists of Licensed Drivers, Vehicles and Operators
Hackney Carriages mainly work from Surrey Heath public ranks only. The public can flag them down on the street when the driver is plying for hire. They can also be pre-booked.
Private Hire vehicles are only available by prior booking and through a private hire operator's office. They are not allowed on 'taxi' ranks and cannot be used to ply for hire. Members of the public cannot flag them down.
Assistance Dogs - Guidance
Taxi Safety
There are four easy ways to check you are getting into a licensed taxi:
- Does the vehicle have an illuminated light that is clearly visible - either on top of the taxi or inside the vehicle?
- Is there a local authority licence plate displayed on the rear of the vehicle?
- Is there a current licence number displayed inside the taxi on the windscreen?
- Does the driver have a current local authority identity badge?
Read more about Taxi Safety
Taxi and private hire drivers
We have written to all taxi and private hire drivers about changes to operations during this time. You can read the email and download the medical declaration form.
Travelling in Taxis and private hire vehicles
At taxi ranks try to keep your distance from people outside your household, where possible. Public Health England recommends keeping a 2 metre distance from others, where possible.
Taxi and private hire vehicle (for example minicab) operators are likely to have put in place new measures to help with social distancing. When travelling in taxis or private hire vehicles follow the advice of the driver. For example, you may be asked to sit in the back left hand seat if travelling alone. You may want to check with your taxi operator before travelling if they have put any additional measures in place.
If you need to be near other people you should avoid physical contact, try to face away from other people, and keep the time you spend near other people as short as possible. Be aware of the surfaces you or others touch.
There are some circumstances when wearing a face covering may be marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure. The evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not yet developed symptoms. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas.
If you can, wear a face covering in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. You should be prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by police officers and police staff for the purposes of identification.
A face covering is not the same as the surgical masks or respirators used by healthcare and other workers as part of personal protective equipment. These should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace, such as health and care workers, and those in industrial settings, like those exposed to dust hazards.
Wearing a face covering is optional and is not required by the law. If you choose to wear one, it is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and after taking them off.
When finishing your journey, we recommend you:
- follow local guidance
- wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or sanitise your hands as soon as possible
Child Exploitation
Children and young people can be exploited anywhere, but taxi, fast food outlets, cafes and shopping centres are particularly common sites where you may be able to spot the signs.
