Vehicles - private hire and hackney carriage

The Council is responsible for the licensing of all Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles within West Lancashire. There are specific requirements and a detailed specification for both Private Hire vehicles and Hackney Carriages, which are contained in the Council's Taxi Licensing Policy. 

Additional information for each can be found below. Details of wheelchair accessible taxis are maintained separately from the Policy. Download the list of wheelchair accessible taxis (PDF 300kb)

Private Hire Vehicles

Private Hire vehicles licensed solely for pre-booked work and must be booked through a licensed Private Hire Operator within the Borough. Trying to hire this type of vehicle on the street without the journey being pre-booked is illegal and any fare taken in this manner would invalidate the driver's insurance.

Private Hire vehicles licensed by the Council can be identified by the yellow identification plate which must be secured to the rear of the vehicle and must bear appropriate door signs for the operator taking the booking.

Private Hire Vehicles are licensed for 12 months and the new application fee is currently £245.66 This fee includes the licence and plates for the vehicle plus one vehicle inspection. If your vehicle fails this inspection, the Council's nominated testing station may charge you directly for an additional re-test fee up to £45.00.

The licence fee of £245.66 is comprised of (a) an initial fee of £149.85 and (b) a successful application fee of £95.81. For ease, the full licence fee can be paid on application. In such cases, fee (b) would be refunded if your application is refused.

If you wish to pay fee (a) and fee (b) separately, please contact the Licensing Service. Fee (a) should be paid on application and fee (b) should be paid if your licence is granted.  

Please note that successful applicants will not be issued with a licence without payment of the fee in full.

 

Hackney Carriage Vehicles

Unlike Private Hire vehicles, Hackney Carriages can be hailed in the street, hired from a rank and take pre-booked work.

Hackney Carriages licensed by the Council can be identified by the Green identification plate which must be secured to the rear of the vehicle and an illuminated sign on the vehicle, which is activated when available for hire.

Hackney Carriages are licensed for 12 months and the fee is currently £268.46. This fee includes the licence and plates for the vehicle plus one vehicle inspection. If your vehicle fails this inspection, the Council's nominated testing station may charge you directly for an additional re-test fee up to £45.00.

The licence fee of £268.46 is comprised of (a) an initial fee of £147.65 and (b) a successful application fee of £120.81. For ease, the full licence fee can be paid on application. In such cases, fee (b) would be refunded if your application is refused.

If you wish to pay fee (a) and fee (b) separately, please contact the Licensing Service. Fee (a) should be paid on application and fee (b) should be paid if your licence is granted.  

Please note that successful applicants will not be issued with a licence without payment of the fee in full.

 

For further information  download the documents listed below:

Additional costs

  • Transfer of vehicle (Change Of Owner) = £27.35
  • Replacement vehicle plate = £27.35
  • Duplicate licence = £27.35

 

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