Leeds City Council has announced details of a multi-million pound package of measures designed to provide much-needed support to hard-pressed taxi and private hire drivers and operators. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. All Rights Reserved The consultation undertaken built on an earlier consultation exercise and the outcome of a working group consisting of councillors, trade representatives and stakeholder/passenger groups. Apply to also hold a Private Hire Driver licence. A share taxi (also called shared taxi or taxibus) is a mode of transport which falls between a taxicab and a bus.These vehicles for hire are typically smaller than buses and usually take passengers on a fixed or semi-fixed route without timetables, but instead departing when all seats are filled. Details of agenda item Taxi & Private Hire Licensing - Leeds City Council Assessment Against Statutory Guidance from the Department of Transport. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Subscribe to our regular newsletter and news alert service. 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. Public enquiries 020 7082 6602. We make getting your PCO licence a simple, stress-free process . Meeting of Licensing Committee on Tuesday, 26th January, 2021, 10.00 am . Abid, who is a Leeds Taxi and Private Hire Organisation (LPHDO) driver, says he had his licence revoked by Leeds Council in July 2021 after a small dispute with a customer over the placing of his metre reader. Application to operate private hire vehicles. Call. Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council deputy leader, said the final plan addresses drivers' concerns but would also improve public safety. Licensing Leeds.gov.UK Dear Sir/ Madam Private Hire Vehicle License . 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies for this visit and subsequent visits. You can view our most up to date licence figures on Data Mill North. result in your appeal being refused. You can report touting or other illegal cab activity by submitting a form to us. 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. Call us now. Automatically updated monthly from 24/11/2016 Previous manual versions still available. 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. Taxi drivers have previously held a strike over the proposed changes. Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHDL: 485Total estimated time to obtain a PHDL: 28 Weeks, Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHVL: 240Total estimated time to obtain a PHVL: 1 Week, Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHDL: 350Total estimated time to obtain a PHDL: 12 Weeks, Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHVL: 188Total estimated time to obtain a PHVL: 2 Weeks, Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHDL: 450Total estimated time to obtain a PHDL: 12 Weeks, Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHVL: 237Total estimated time to obtain a PHVL: 1 Week, Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHDL: 495Total estimated time to obtain a PHDL: 15 Weeks, Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHVL: 291Total estimated time to obtain a PHVL: 4 Weeks, Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHDL: 301Total estimated time to obtain a PHDL: 10 Weeks, Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHVL: 232Total estimated time to obtain a PHVL: 2 Weeks. Preview. 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. BBC News reports that industrial action by Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation began at 06:00 and is due to run until 06:00 on Tuesday. 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 peaceful taxi driver protest planned in Leeds this week over the council's 'Suitability and Convictions Policy' has been cancelled as a union says its demands have been met.. GMB Union were meant to hold the demonstrate outside Leeds Civic Hall, in Millenium Square, tomorrow (Wednesday) from 12pm to 2pm.. Fourth Floor - Area 4B Hackney carriages and private hire service Shearbridge Depot Shearbridge Road Bradford BD7 1PU. They would be able to continue working and could still renew their licence. Here are the taxi services that we offer throughout East Leeds, Hunslet, Halton, Harehills, Gipton, Colton, Garforth, Woodlesford and beyond. 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. authorises the holder of a taxi or private hire vehicle licence to operate local . leeds taxi and private hire licensing contact number. 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 . Wheels Private Hire is the fastest taxi service and private hire operator in East Leeds. Advertisement Advertisement. Secure Payments & Pre-authorisation, This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience moregot it. Climate control. We advise that all applications be made and submitted via the GOV.UK website (where applicable) or via email to licensing@birmingham.gov.uk. PO Box 4771 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. Westfield Avenue Official local authority website for Leeds providing information on local services. 04/11/2015 (598 B) 04/11/2015. 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. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Up to 4 large bags. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Councillor James Lewis, executive member for resources and strategy 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. communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk. The council has announced 2.5m funding for three-year taxi and private hire licence renewals for drivers affected by the lockdown restrictions. 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. 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. For vehicles that have a LPG system fitted during the currency of a Private Hire vehicle licence, they must inform the Taxi and Private Licensing office in writing and produce the above certification within 7 days. Guidance notes, conditions, byelaws, driver's handbook and additional information documents. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. To ensure early intervention is possible, the council introduced annual, rather than three-yearly, online DBS checks which enable officers to not only carry out checks at the point of renewal but also random checks each month. Clean air/air quality Office Number: (0113) 249 9999. As a taxi or professional driver we know how important it is for you to keep your licence for your work. 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 . We now have our own dedicated Twitter account where we provide useful information to the Taxis and Private Hire trade, please follow us at @tfltph. Are you a taxi driver, proprietor, or operator and a licence has been refused, suspended, revoked or has conditions Reports will be used to inform future deployments. For Private Hire Executive vehicle licence applications, this certification must be produced at the time of application. In a separate move, unrelated to the councils pandemic response, grants are on offer to taxi and private hire vehicle owners who have switched to low emission vehicles. 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. It is essential that you seek expert legal advice straight away. 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. 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. Wheel Private Hire is now part of the Amber Cars family. Licence costs. About this policy. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Email: Info@wheelsprivatehire.com. Taxi and private hire accessibility. Amber Cars deliver a local taxi hire service in Leeds. 1985, authorises the holder of a taxi or private hire vehicle licence to operate local services. 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. 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. 254.00 (Made up of Non-refundable search fee 180 and Licence fee of 74). In July 2022, Wheels Private hire joined forces with Amber Cars. 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. Visit our site today to find out about our taxi services, or book your taxi on 0113 2022 117. Please note: The DBS checking service run by Occupational . . Stratford, London Following consultation with the trade and public, plans to improve public safety in Leeds by changing taxi and private hire driver licensing standards are to be discussed by councillors next month. To contact us about a licensed taxi or private hire driver or operator: call us on 0343 222 4000 (09:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays). This has included enforcement officers being given the authority to operate lawfully in other licensing districts across the region. However, drivers said the new rules would be "devastating" for those already impacted by Covid and the rising cost of living. 2023 Professional Driver Magazine. Book your transfer quickly and easily by booking online, or via our mobile app. Meeting of Licensing Committee on Tuesday, 3rd September, 2019, 11.00 am . communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk. Request a medical exemption. The suspension came under the Suitability and Convictions policy which came into place in February 2020. 5 Endeavour Square Don't Hesitate To Contact Us. For more details on low emission vehicle grants, visit https://www.leeds.gov.uk/business/licensing/taxi-and-private-hire-licensing/financial-support-overview. The council has responsibility for regulating the hackney carriage and private hire trades under the Town and Police Clauses Act 1847 and Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. If a current licence holder accumulates seven or eight points, they would receive a warning and could be required to attend a driver training course to improve their driving standards and road safety awareness. For further information about these free renewals, visit https://www.leeds.gov.uk/business/licensing/taxi-and-private-hire-licensing/free-driver-licensing. Since January 2015 nearly 3000 licence holders have attended a Child Sexual Exploitation awareness session, which is now a compulsory part of the licence application and renewal process. Total estimated time to obtain a PHVL: 2 Weeks. Leeds ' largest private hire company Leeds has also introduced additional conditions for private hire operators to help monitor out of town Hackney Carriages working in the city, which has been a significant concern since national deregulation was introduced last year. Read the taxi and private hire licensing policy 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. 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. 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. Street cafe licensing. 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. By cogdell memorial hospital ceo. DOC. E20 1JN. The meeting of Leeds City Council's licensing committee on Tuesday 9 August will consider the outcome of the consultation process and consider . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Licensing committee to discuss report on 9 August. 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. 04/11/2015. 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. 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. 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. Pegeuot expert tepee ex private hire taxi 5 seater with wheelchair access 131000 miles on clock 2 litre diesel Work car, used for taxi and deliveries and transport and wheel chair accessible for disabled . Other changes mean any drivers who already have seven or more points would not be granted a taxi licence. Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHVL: 232. Senior councillors will next week discuss how Leeds City Council is keeping people who use taxis and private hire vehicles in the city safe. It is subject to change and may be updated without notice. Of course the majority of our drivers are very professional and carry out their duties with no complaints or need for enforcement action but it is prudent that we regularly review our safeguarding policies and ensure we have robust checks in place when issuing and renewing licenses. Application to allow display of adverts [PDF 30KB]. We deal with all aspects of taxi licensing and can represent your interests at the police station, licensing 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. Supporting drivers means we are supporting those people as well.. Approved licenses. We are the fastest taxi firm and private hire operators in East Leeds. Application to transfer a private hire vehicle licence. 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. Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles. Further to this, speaking on behalf of the licensing committee, to thank all the taxi and private hire drivers that live and or work in Leeds, Councillor James Gibson, said: Drivers play an enormously important role in our city. South Leeds Office Number: (0113) 277 7222. Before the council can grant licenses for drivers, operators, or proprietors, it must ensure the applicant is a 'fit and proper' person. The General Manager will conduct a final review, usually within 10 working days, and a response will be issued outlining our final position. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Licensing Regulation and Charging Total estimated time to obtain a PHDL: 10 Weeks. Taxi and Private Hire 0.6 mi | 42 Bridge End, Leeds, LS1 4DJ. Committee recommend changes to taxi and private hire driver licence standards to improve public safety in Leeds. 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. All downloads for taxis and private hire licensing. Customers can expect a safe and comfortable journey with their well-maintained fleet of vehicles and a dedicated team of friendly driver-partners. 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. The previous standard in Leeds was that taxi and private hire drivers could accrue 12 points on . Taxi and private hire drivers and operators with a Leeds business address can also apply for 500 business grants. Sheffield Council is offering a number of grants and loans, using Government funding, so drivers can upgrade their vehicles and avoid paying the penalty. For a quote, please ring the contact centre team who will be happy to . Leeds City Councils deputy leader and executive member for resources and Safer Leeds Councillor Debra Coupar said: Id like to thank everyone who has responded to this important consultation exercise. The meeting of Leeds City Council's licensing committee on Tuesday 9 August will consider the outcome of the consultation process and consider . 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. 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. communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk. Get Form 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. Leeds City Council Communications team Taxi policy, guidance and byelaws - 2022. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Although it is not a DVSA test, it is very similar to the standard driving test completed by those getting their driving licence for the first time. Please note that the estimated times listed . 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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. changes to the licencing rules around motoring convictions, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Canadian grandma helps police snag phone scammer, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause, US sues Exxon over nooses found at Louisiana plant. Registered in England and Wales Number 7724985 Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA number: 563196. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Search the site. Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHDL: 301. Supporting drivers means we are supporting those people as well.. Transfer of vehicle licence application form [PDF 525KB]. Hillcrest House (Leeds), LS9 6NF, 386 Harehills Lane, LEEDS, . Calls are handled by the same friendly staff, and taxi bookings are completed by the same local driver-partners. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Apply for a duplicate badge or licence. We license the drivers and owners of taxis and private hire vehicles (minicabs) who operate in London. Registered Office Studio 23, 6 Friendly Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1RD 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. At the next meeting of the councils 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. Driver Licence (over 65's medical requirements) renewal of a annual licence until DBS, DVLA checks required) 95.00 (Payment over the phone only). Contact details. They take a customer-centric approach to their work. 1 - 4 passengers. External link; Taxi and private hire licensing policy and procedures. 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. The results of that consultation were reported back to all councils with all councils adopting the policy during 2019/2020. If they have already received training, revocation of their licence could be considered. Since the start of the pandemic, however, the number of journeys being undertaken has significantly reduced, leading to a drop-off in the earnings of drivers. Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Taxi and private hire drivers and operators with a Leeds business address will also be able to apply for 500 grants . 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. Licensing & Registration Services Taxi and Private Hire Licensing 225 York Road Leeds, LS9 7RY Tel: 0113 3781570 taxiprivatehire. Overall, the recommended set of 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. Last updated 13 July 2022 + show all updates.