Hackney carriage and private hire news and information

1. Forums

The Councils halls are available for booking again so I have booked a forum at the Hythe Centre Egham on Wednesday 26 October 2022 11:00 till 12:00. I know it is short notice but a forum was needed before the consultation on disability awareness training ends.

Please come along and if you have anything you would like to discuss let us know before Monday 24 October 2022 and we will put it on the agenda.

Looking ahead to 2023, the first forum next year will take place at the Hythe Centre Egham on Wednesday 22 March 2023 11:00 till 12:00.

2. Making payments

Thanks to those who get the payments right, we are still having quite a few drivers who phone up with no idea what they are paying for!

So please before you phone to pay for your licence make sure you know what you are paying for and how much you are paying.

All drivers and operators are sent a fees list in March, keep this in a safe place so you know the fees when it comes to paying. They are also on our website.

Hackney Carriage and private hire licensing fees

If calling to pay by card, please call 01932 838383 and choose option 5 to speak to a customer services advisor who will be happy to take your payment. Please let them know what licence you are paying for i.e. Drivers or vehicle.
Alternatively, if you would rather make a bank transfer, please let us know and we will be happy to send you the Bank details and reference number needed.

Bank transfer to the account below adding your surname and using code FLRT5886 for vehicles, FLRT5843 for 1-year licences and FLRT5844 for a 3-year licence. For operators use FLRT5846 for 1-year licences and FLRT5847 for a 5-year licence.

Bank name: Lloyds Bank

Sort code: 30-80-12

Account number: 11208060

3. CONSULTATION - Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022

I mentioned this in our last 2 newsletters but it deserves to be brought to your attention again. It is important that drivers and operators understand this so please read on.

A report went before the Regulatory Committee on 27 September and one of the items discussed was whether we should have a consultation regarding making disability awareness training a mandatory licensing condition for all drivers and operators.

It was agreed that a consultation would take place from 4 October 2022 till 16 November 2022.

All drivers and operators have been sent the consultation by email and by post. It is also available on the Councils website where you can complete the consultation and reply online.

Mandatory disability awareness training for taxi drivers

We have kept this a straightforward as possible, the consultation is a yes or no answer with a space for comments should you have any.

Please note it is important that the Councillors making decisions have your views on this subject so please complete and return the consultation as soon as you can.

4. Are you short of work / a plea for drivers

On speaking to private hire operators in the borough some have said they have lots of work but not enough drivers, the same comment has been made by some hackney driver businesses.

One operator has asked us to let you know they are looking for drivers, if you are interested and have a euro6 spec car, contact Andy Cook at Image Cars in Addlestone on 01932 827000.