Taxis
All hackney carriages (taxis) and private hire vehicles in East Hampshire must be licensed by EHDC.
Hackney carriages can be hailed (flagged down) in the street or they can pick up from taxi ranks without a prior booking. They are identified by an illuminated roof sign and the display of a yellow identification plate on the rear of the vehicle
Private hire vehicles must be pre booked through a private hire operator. These vehicles can be identified by a green identification on the rear of the vehicle.
The council carries out checks to make sure vehicles are safe and comfortable and that drivers are 'fit and proper' for the job.
Anyone who wishes to run a private hire vehicle company must apply for an Operator's Licence.
The price charged by a hackney carriage is set by the council. Hackney carriages cannot charge any more than the fare on the meter. Private hire vehicles operators set their own charges.
Applying for licences
Please contact the licensing office to discuss and to obtain a driver's application pack - telephone 01730 234095/234379
The Licensing Office, East Hampshire District Council, Penns Place, Petersfield, Hampshire GU31 4EX
or email: licensing@easthants.gov.uk
Taxi Forum
The Taxi Forum meets twice yearly, normally in June and December. It includes representatives of the hackney carriage and private hire businesses, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee and councillors with an interest in local transport, the Chairman of the Disability Forum, police officers, licensing officers and the council's transport research officer.
The forum provides an opportunity for discussion and knowledge sharing.
CRB checks
If you apply to be a hackney carriage/ private hire driver or private hire vehicle operator you will be required to complete an application for a criminal records bureau (CRB) check. Our policy on how EHDC deal with these disclosures is attached.
Note: the policy refers to recruitment in addition to licensing. The pages most relevant to licensing are appendices B1 and B2.
From the 6 April 2011 the fee for the Enhanced CRB check is £44.