Taxi Licensing

Every part of England and Wales has taxis. In law these are divided into Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles. Despite the division, in general the public view them all as 'taxis'.

There are considerable similarities between Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles but also some significant distinctions. Both transport members of the public to a specific destination upon request in exchange for payment of a fare. Public safety is paramount in the licensing regimes that govern these vehicles, their drivers and their operators.

The principle features of a Hackney Carriage vehicle in the Vale of Glamorgan are:-

• Vehicle is either white with a black bonnet or a London taxi style vehicle;
• Has a 'taxi' roof light;
• Fares (tariffs) are set by the Council;
• Can be hailed at the roadside;
• Can park on a rank to await the approach of prospective passengers;
• Will have a red licence plate displayed on the rear of the vehicle;
• Must be driven by a driver who holds a Hackney Carriage drivers licence.

The principle features of a Private Hire vehicle in the Vale of Glamorgan are:-

• Can be any colour other than white with a black bonnet or all white;
• Cannot park on a rank to await the approach of prospective passengers;
• Cannot be hailed at the roadside;
• Must be pre-booked through a licensed Private Hire Operator;
• Will have a yellow licence plate displayed on the rear of the vehicle;
• Must be driven by a driver who holds a Private Hire drivers licence.  

Complaints

Whilst Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers and vehicles undergo rigorous tests and checks before they are issued with a licence, we occasionally receive complaints from the public about the taxi service.

To help us fully investigate a complaint we need clear and concise information concerning the incident. To help you we have developed an online incident reporting form that you may wish to use. If, following the completion of the investigation, there is sufficient evidence to prosecute a licensed driver you will be requested to provide a witness statement and you may then be required to give evidence in court.

It will not always be the case that official action is taken as it depends on a number of factors; however, all incidents are carefully examined and taken into consideration as the Authority is always looking to improve the service we deliver to the public.

Please complete the form as fully as possible providing all the pertinent details. Should you require any assistance please do not hesitate to contact the Licensing Section on 01446 709105.

All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If South Wales Police are dealing with an incident, it would generally be the case that Vale of Glamorgan Council Licensing Enforcement Officers must wait until that investigation is complete before any action or our own investigation commenced.

However, public safety would be the ultimate determining factor. Should officers feel that to wait until the end of a Police investigation would be detrimental to public safety, the Licensing Section can and will take any appropriate action that they deem necessary. This may include the immediate suspension of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle driver's licences.

Complaints Form