Law changes on licensing

4:38pm Tuesday 8th January 2008

OPERATORS of private hire vehicles and taxis are being urged to contact Redditch Council this month to ensure they comply with recent changes in the law.

Changes to private hire and taxi licensing that affect a wide range of vehicle operators are being introduced by the Department of Transport by way of the Road Safety Act 2006.

These changes mean that limousines, airport travel, chauffeur services, novelty vehicles, executive hire and other operators will have to be licensed by the council by January 28.

The new licensing rules enable the council to carry out safety checks on vehicles and suitability checks on their drivers in the interests of public safety.

People hiring vehicles should feel more secure knowing that businesses are licensed and that drivers have been CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) vetted by the council Vehicle operators in the borough are legally obliged to contact the council on 534100.

Businesses and drivers working while not properly licensed could face prosecution.