Information on Loughborough

Charnwood Private Vehicle Hire

Posted on 23/11/2007
P. Klein

Posted on 23rd November 2007

P. Klein

taxis

CHANGES in the law on private hire and taxi licensing that will affect a wide range of vehicle operators will come into effect during January and Charnwood Borough Council is urging operators to come forward.

Limousines, airport travel, chauffeur services, novelty vehicles, executive hire, park and ride and other operators will all have to be licensed by the Council by January 2008 and new stringent tests will include safety and suitability checks on drivers. The changes follow legislation passed by the Government in 2007 and aim to increase safety for all as well as improve the reputation of the operators namely Section 53 of the Road Safety Act 2006.

Cllr David Snartt (Conservative, Forest Bradgate) , Cabinet Lead for Community Safety, said: "People hiring vehicles will be able to feel more secure in the knowledge that businesses are licensed and the drivers have undertaken Criminal Records Bureau vetting by the Council. This is about making people feel safer and ensuring that there is a consistent level of measures to protect the public across all operators.

There is legal requirement for all vehicle operators to contact Charnwood Borough Council and they are urged to do so as soon as possible. Businesses and drivers working while not properly licensed could face prosecution, with considerable fines and costs.

Vehicles previously licensed under seven day contracts now come under the new laws and must be licensed by the local authority for the area they operate in. Vehicles used solely for weddings and funerals remain exempt from licensing. Any vehicle proprietor or operator who is in any doubt about whether vehicles need to be licensed should discuss this with the licensing service, and, if necessary seek independent legal advice.

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