Consultation on the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy
North Hertfordshire District Council act as the licensing authority for the District in respect of vehicles, drivers and operators licensed under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.
The current Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy was adopted by Cabinet on 29th November 2007 with effect from 7th January 2008.
This policy is now due for review as it expires on 6th January 2011. The Best Practice Guidance issued by the Department for Transport has been revised with effect from March 2010 and the Council's Policy needs to reflect these changes. Additionally, the Policy needs to support the Council's strategic objectives, particularly Town Centres and Green Issues.
The Best Practice Guidance encourages local authorities to remove any remaining zones that still apply within a local authority's area; North Hertfordshire has five zones (Baldock, Hitchin, Knebworth, Letchworth and Royston). In order to fully assess this issue the consultation process includes two versions of the proposed Policy, one retaining the zones and one removing them. The Council encourages all parties to participate fully in this consultation in order to assist in making an informed decision.
One of the many legal responsibilities that a local authority has is a responsibility to consider applications for hackney carriage and private hire licences made by persons wanting to operate within the local authority area.
In connection with this responsibility, North Hertfordshire District Council proposes that this policy will encompass all elements of hackney carriage and private hire licensing and therefore assist applicants, the local authority and all other parties.
Draft Taxi Policy A 2011 for Consultation (3.76MB) 
Draft Taxi Policy B 2011 for Consultation (3.75MB)
The consultation period will commence on Monday 21st June 2010 and will continue for 12 weeks ending at midnight on Monday 13th September 2010.
This is your opportunity to raise any issues you may have and contribute to the formation of the Council's Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy.
All responses during the consultation will be considered and incorporated into the Policy where appropriate. A summary of all responses will be included in the Report to Elected Members during the Committee process. The final Policy will be determined by the Elected Members.
Please note that all responses including personal details may be subject to publication or disclosure.
Please note that all responses must be received by midnight on Monday 13th September 2010.
Contact Details
All responses to the consultation should be sent in writing to:
Licensing and Enforcement
North Hertfordshire District Council
Council Offices
Gernon Road
Letchworth Garden City
Hertfordshire
SG6 3JF
Please direct queries to the Licensing Team on 01462 474000 or to licensing@north-herts.gov.uk 
Consultees
The following interested parties will be consulted:
- All existing hackney carriage and private hire licence holders (operators, drivers and vehicle proprietors)
- Hertfordshire Constabulary
- NHDC Councillors
- NHDC Area Committees
- NHDC Legal Services
- Public Libraries within North Hertfordshire
- Town Centre Managers
- Chamber of Commerce
- Neighbouring Authorities in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire
- MIS (Members Information Service)
