A Guide to Taxi and Private Hire Car Services in Bromsgrove

Taxi/Private Hire Plates & Drivers Badge

Bromsgrove District Council issues licenses to vehicles, their drivers and their operators. It only does so after they have passed certain stringent tests:-

Vehicles - The safety, mechanical condition and presentability of vehicles is tested at least once per year (twice each year in the case of vehicles over 7 years old from date of first registration)

Drivers - Drivers are required to meet exacting medical standards, to be of good character and to have a good driving record

Operators - Operators are required to be of good character and to run their business in a proper manner

These checks are carried out to ensure that a high standard of taxi services are provided in Bromsgrove. The firms which are licensed by the Council to operate in the District have met the required standards. Vehicles which have met the Council's standards display a licence plate at the rear and smaller "mini-plates" in each car door window. These plates are green or white and are indicated on this page. Drivers must wear the approved badge (indicated here) which shows their name and photograph.

REMEMBER:

• Always check that a driver and vehicle are licensed. You should not get into a vehicle which does not display the licence plate and window plates or if the driver is not wearing their identity badge. The "taxi" could be bogus and your personal safety might be at risk. An unlicensed vehicle will not be covered by insurance.
• If either the driver, vehicle or operator are not licensed, they do not meet the Council's standards.
• You should always check the likely cost of a journey when booking a Private Hire Vehicle. Private Hire Vehicles can only respond to previously booked calls (that is, you cannot put your arm out and shout "TAXI" and expect it to stop!!)
• If you obtain a taxi (or Hackney Carriage) from the taxi rank or 'hail' in the street, you must pay the amount shown by the meter.
• A vehicle must not carry more passengers than specified on the Licence Plate.
• A licensed vehicle can only be driven by a licensed driver.

If you interested in becoming a licensed taxi driver, please contact the Licensing Section on (01527) 881405. An application pack is also available by calling into the Council's Customer Service Centre, School Lane, Bromsgrove between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday and 9am to 12noon on Saturday.

If you wish to speak in person with a member of the Licensing Team, please telephone (01527) 881288 and arrangements will be made for you to attend the next available Licensing Surgery.