This process should not be used by taxi or private hire licensees to appeal our decision to refuse, suspend or revoke a licence. Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk. The suspension came under the Suitability and Convictions policy which came into place in February 2020. Grants are also on offer to taxi and private hire vehicle owners who have switched to low-emissions vehicles. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. All downloads for taxis and private hire licensing. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Further to this new set of standards, Leeds City Council's Licensing Committee have determined that for a 12-month pilot, any decision to revoke a licence on the basis of minor motoring convictions will be determined by a Licensing Sub Committee. If you wish to do this you should follow the appeals procedure as detailed in our decision letter. It is essential that you seek expert legal advice straight away. We're open 08:00-18:00 Monday to Friday (excl. Following consultation with the trade and public, plans to improve public safety in Leeds by changing taxi and private hire driver licensing standards are to be discussed by councillors next month. The guidance states that applicants with multiple motoring convictions may indicate that the driver does not exhibit the behaviours of a safe road user or one that is suitable to drive professionally. Significant strengthening of the policy for dealing with licensing applications by non UK citizens and additional fraud detection training for the licensing team has helped to reduce the risk of applicant fraud. Since 1988. The council is making 2.5m available to fund free three-year taxi and private hire licence renewals for drivers, delivering a timely boost to a trade that has been particularly badly affected by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. The licensing committee have recommended the adoption of the following set of standards for taxi and private hire licence holders, in relation to minor motoring offences, to Leeds City Councils executive board: The current standard in Leeds is that taxi and private hire drivers can accrue 12 points on their drivers licence before any action is taken. This is why it is prudent to regularly review our safeguarding policies and ensure we have robust checks in place when issuing and renewing licenses. The PCO licence is valid for 3 years and is issued by the PCO (Public Carriage Office), who are part of Transport for London (TfL). For any new applications for a taxi and private hire drivers' licence, licenses will not be granted if the driver has already accrued seven or more points for minor motoring convictions. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. People in Leeds have been told to avoid travelling in the city centre due to a planned protest later this week.. Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO) will host a demonstration between 4pm to 6pm on Friday, March 18, as they continue to protest against the Suitability and Convictions Policy.. 5 Endeavour Square People can report any complaints or concerns about the taxi and private hire trade to the Taxi and Private Hire licensing section on 0113 3781570 or by emailing taxiprivatehire.licensing@leeds.gov.uk. Amber Cars deliver a local taxi hire service in Leeds. We have also been working for some time alongside York and all other authorities in West Yorkshire to establish a series of common licensing standards that will mitigate any potential impact of the new deregulation rules and ensure we have a common approach to safeguarding across our region. Leeds City Council Communications team SRA number: 563196, Registered Office Studio 23, 6 Friendly Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1RD. Book your transfer quickly and easily by booking online, or via our mobile app. Email : taxi.testing@bradford.gov.uk Abid, who is a Leeds Taxi and Private Hire Organisation (LPHDO) driver, says he had his licence revoked by Leeds Council in July 2021 after a small dispute with a customer over the placing of his metre reader. Find out about the Energy Crisis Support Scheme. . Premises licenses and certificates, Personal licenses and Temporary event notices. The LGO is an independent national service that investigates complaints against local authorities, such as Transport for London. Wheels Private Hire is the fastest taxi service and private hire operator in East Leeds. Download. In a separate move, unrelated to the councils pandemic response, grants are on offer to taxi and private hire vehicle owners who have switched to low emission vehicles. These drivers are part of the lifeblood of our city and we are determined to do as much as we can to help protect their livelihoods. For vehicles that have a LPG system fitted during the currency of a Private Hire vehicle licence, they must inform the Taxi and Private Licensing office in writing and produce the above certification within 7 days. The current standard in Leeds is that taxi and private hire drivers can accrue 12 points on their driver's licence before any action is taken. If you've been through our complaints procedure and are still dissatisfied, you may choose to escalate your complaint to the LGO at the address shown. Official local authority website for Leeds providing information on local services. Applications and renewals, DBS checks and information for passengers. Failure to meet the deadlines can The 1.9m funding for the transitional grants has been retained by the council after originally being secured as part of Leedss Clean Air Zone (CAZ) scheme. The council has responsibility for regulating the hackney carriage and private hire trades under the Town and Police Clauses Act 1847 and Part II of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. DOC. The previous standard in Leeds was that taxi and private hire drivers could accrue 12 points on . Licensing & Registration Services Taxi and Private Hire Licensing 225 York Road Leeds, LS9 7RY Tel: 0113 3781570 taxiprivatehire. The controversial policy was introduced across West Yorkshire in February 2020 but a number . The councils executive board will next week hear about the progress which has been made to further strengthen these arrangements, two years after this was first agreed. Currently it is acceptable for an applicant to provide a certificate of good character which can take a variety of forms and is often difficult to verify by licensing staff. apply to get your licence back we can help you. Drivers with nine points would be stripped of their badge for at least five years, as part of planned changes to the council's taxi and private hire standards. E20 1JN. Schemes being put in place by the council mean more than 7.5m worth of support is on offer to taxi and private hire drivers and operators, whose business has been significantly hit by Covid-19. Licensing service updates will continue to be posted on the Taxi and private hire bulletin. Senior councillors will next week discuss how Leeds City Council is keeping people who use taxis and private hire vehicles in the city safe. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". At the next meeting of the councils executive board, on Wednesday 16 December, members will hear how work has progressed to improve safeguarding measures in taxi and private hire licensing over the past year. Taxi and private hire licensing. Automatically updated monthly from 24/11/2016 Previous manual versions still available. 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Overall, the recommended set of standards would affect less than 1.5 per cent of all current licence holders in Leeds, with over 80 per cent of taxi and private hire drivers in the city currently having no points on their licence whatsoever. Cllr James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: The pandemic has had a major impact on people working in many different sectors across Leeds, with taxi and private hire drivers among those most seriously affected. Taxi and private hire drivers and operators with a Leeds business address will also be able to apply for 500 grants . Registered in England and Wales Number 7724985 These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Our cross council safeguarding group, which includes representatives from the citys adult and childrens safeguarding boards, has been closely involved in developing our new policies and procedures. BBC News reports that industrial action by Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation began at 06:00 and is due to run until 06:00 on Tuesday. Pontefract Lane's largest private hire company, Book a local taxi with Wheels Private Hire. Hackney carriages and private hire service Shearbridge Depot Shearbridge Road Bradford BD7 1PU. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority We are also the enforcement authority and work closely with the Metropolitan and City of London Police services to ensure that drivers, operators and vehicles are compliant with taxi and private hire legislation, regulations and policy. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? The board will also hear that since January 2015 over 1100 licence holders have attended a Child Sexual Exploitation awareness session, which is now a compulsory part of the licence application and renewal process. To contact us about a licensed taxi or private hire driver or operator: call us on 0343 222 4000 (09:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays). To enable us to conduct a full investigation into your complaint you should include as much detail as possible. Climate change. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The 1.9million funding for the transitional grants has been retained by the council after originally being secured as part of Leedss Clean Air Zone (CAZ) scheme, even though it was decided last October that improvements in air quality and a rise in the number of cleaner vehicles meant the CAZ scheme would not go ahead. Leeds City Council has announced details of a multi-million pound package of measures designed to provide much-needed support to hard-pressed taxi and private hire drivers and operators. Ahmad Hussain, from Leeds Private Hire Drivers Organisation (LPHDO), said: "Why change a policy where 98.5% of the system is working and people are complying. Safeguarding measures for taxi and private hire licensing is top of the agenda. If you're struggling to pay higher energy bills; you may be eligible for a 400 payment through the Council's Energy Crisis Support Scheme. Meeting of Licensing Committee on Tuesday, 26th January, 2021, 10.00 am . It does not store any personal data. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For any new applications for a taxi and private hire drivers licence, applications would not be granted if the driver has already accrued seven or more points. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". At the next meeting of the council's executive board, on Wednesday 16 December, members will hear how work has progressed to improve safeguarding measures in taxi and private hire licensing over the past year. communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk. Councillor James Lewis, executive member for resources and strategy said: The safety of the public travelling around our city is paramount and it is our responsibility to minimise any risk posed to people using a taxi or private hire vehicle. New Hackney Carriage (Taxi) Driver licence. Official local authority website for Leeds providing information on local services. The council announced in October last year that improvements in air quality and a rise in the number of cleaner, greener vehicles on the citys roads meant the CAZ scheme did not need to go ahead. Following a meeting of Leeds City Councils licensing committee, councillors have recommended changes to the taxi and private hire driver licence standards. For any new applications for a taxi and private hire drivers licence, licenses will not be granted if the driver has already accrued seven or more points for minor motoring convictions. 6. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You can book your test with one of the driving . . The PCO Licence, also known as the Private Hire Driver Licence, allows you to work as a minicab driver or chauffer, including working as an Uber driver. Safeguarding in taxi and private hire licensing is top of the agenda. Complimentary 4G Wi-Fi. Leeds City Councils taxi and private hire licensing team is responsible for making sure that drivers, vehicles and operators meet the terms of their licence and that the trade in Leeds is operated in a professional manner. This has included enforcement officers being given the authority to operate lawfully in other licensing districts across the region. Office Number: (0113) 249 9999. In the latest consultation, more than 2,200 responses were received, with a clear split in the views expressed with those from the trade being opposed to the changes and the general public being supportive, with some calling for stricter restrictions to be introduced than those proposed. Amber Cars is one of the largest private hire operators in Leeds, UK. Overall the change in standards would affect less than 1.5% of all current licence holders in Leeds with more than 80% of taxi and private hire drivers currently having no points on their licence. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We license the drivers and owners of taxis and private hire vehicles (minicabs) who operate in London. The Council is making 2.5million available to fund free three-year taxi and private hire license renewals for drivers, while drivers and operators with a Leeds business address will also be able to apply for 500 grants following the reopening later this month of a coronavirus support scheme for businesses with low fixed property costs. The meeting of Leeds City Council's licensing committee on Tuesday 9 August will consider the outcome of the consultation process and consider . For a quote, please ring the contact centre team who will be happy to . Read about our approach to external linking. Medical. The peaceful taxi driver protest planned in Leeds this week over the council's 'Suitability and Convictions Policy' has been cancelled as a union says its demands have been met.. GMB Union were meant to hold the demonstrate outside Leeds Civic Hall, in Millenium Square, tomorrow (Wednesday) from 12pm to 2pm.. Terms & Conditions There are strict time limits in which you must lodge a taxi licensing appeal. Amber Cars offer taxi hire & private hire services across Leeds. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The council's licensing committee will meet on Tuesday to decide on the changes, which if approved could be brought in by October. Bank Holidays). The action, over new criteria for awarding driver licences, will be . Councillor James Gibson, chair of the licensing committee, said: As a committee we closely considered the proposal and the representations received along with the statutory guidance and the Institute of Licensing framework, which recommends the implementation of a seven-point threshold. However, drivers said the new rules would be "devastating" for those already impacted by Covid and the rising cost of living. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Thank you. Transfer to a Private Hire Driver licence. As a taxi or private hire customer, applicant or licensee there are several ways you can contact us. The free three-year license renewals will be worth 450 to most taxi and private hire drivers and applicants should be due to renew their Leeds license between March 1 this year and March 31 next . This training is aimed at educating drivers to help avoid misunderstandings and help them identify any potential issues whilst carrying out their day to day job. Plan a journey and favourite it for quick access in the future, Choose postcodes, stations and places for quick journey planning, information available about the types of licensing queries, London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority. 2023 BBC. Safeguarding is a complex issue and one which requires a partnership approach to deal with. They may stop anywhere to pick up or drop off their passengers. Website. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Your form has been successfully submitted. The board will hear that the actions already taken include: compulsory safeguarding training for all drivers, operators and escorts; a change in policy for applicants born outside of the UK; the introduction of online annual criminal records checks and; a new reporting system to enable immediate enforcement action to be taken. The local authority held a consultation over changes to the licencing rules around motoring convictions. Owners who bought an eligible vehicle on or after February 29 last year, for example, can apply for a transitional grant worth 2,100. Tel: 0113 249 9999 for local taxis, airport transfers, school transport and business travel. The options included in the report to licensing committee reflect the wide range of views received as part of the consultation process including option b) which makes a number of changes which respond positively to the feedback received. Three options are presented for councillors to consider which are summarised as follows: In regard to option b) the report outlines that the standard could be amended to reflect feedback form the consultation as follows: The changes included in options a) and b) would better align Leeds with councils across the country, including neighbouring West Yorkshire authorities and City of York Council, who have already implemented a seven-point threshold. Department for Transport releases guidelines for fitting safety screens but leaves responsibility for approval to councils, Gett rumoured to be heading for stock market IPO following rumours of merger talks . communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Further to this, speaking on behalf of the licensing committee, to thank all the taxi and private hire drivers that live and or work in Leeds, Councillor James Gibson, said: Drivers play an enormously important role in our city. Although it is not a DVSA test, it is very similar to the standard driving test completed by those getting their driving licence for the first time. The board will hear that the actions already taken include: compulsory safeguarding training for all drivers, operators and escorts; a proposed change in policy for applicants born outside of the UK; the introduction of online annual criminal records checks and; and a new reporting system to enable immediate enforcement action to be taken. Hundreds of drivers previously went on strike and held a protest over changes. They must also meet the council's current licensing standards. Climate control. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. To contact us about a licensed taxi or private hire driver or operator: online via our taxi and private hire comment form; call us on 0343 222 4000 (09:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays) Applicants or licensees. . In addition, many people especially those with mobility needs or a disability rely on taxis and private hire vehicles to get around. If you are required to attend an interview under caution with licensing officers contact us. The information provided on this web page is intended for informational purposes only and may not be applicable in your country, region, or city. Street cafe licensing. Leeds has also introduced additional conditions for private hire operators to help monitor out of town Hackney Carriages working in the city, which has been a significant concern since national deregulation was introduced last year. Applicants should be due to renew their Leeds licence between March 1 this year and March 31 next year and must also meet the councils current licensing standards. When you need a taxi in East Leeds you can easily book a cab by giving us a call on 0113 249 9999, book online or download our easy-to-use app. Owners who bought an eligible vehicle on or after February 28, 2020 can apply for a transitional grant worth 2,100. Get Form Total estimated cost of obtaining a PHVL: 232. Taxi drivers have previously held a strike over the proposed changes. Are you a taxi driver, proprietor, or operator and a licence has been refused, suspended, revoked or has conditions Annual declaration and statement of medical fitness. Approved licenses. Total estimated time to obtain a PHVL: 2 Weeks. Don't Hesitate To Contact Us. Since the start of the pandemic, however, the number of journeys being undertaken has significantly reduced, leading to a drop-off in the earnings of drivers. Alcohol and entertainment. Westfield Avenue Transport for London (TfL) license and regulate all of London's taxi and private hire drivers, vehicles and operators. We will aim to respond to your email as soon as we can. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Narmada Kidney Foundation > Uncategorized > leeds taxi and private hire licensing contact number. Wheel Private Hire is now part of the Amber Cars family. Taxis. The councils executive board, will next week, hear about the progress which has been made to further strengthen these arrangements. Accounts Number (Account Enquiry's ONLY): (0113) 284 6090. Leeds City Council Communications team 2023 Professional Driver Magazine. 5 Endeavour Square Support was also available for those working in the trade when the scheme was originally open last year. 0 Comments Details of agenda item Taxi & Private Hire Licensing - Leeds City Council Assessment Against Statutory Guidance from the Department of Transport. Leeds City Councils deputy leader and executive member for resources and Safer Leeds Councillor Debra Coupar said: Id like to thank everyone who has responded to this important consultation exercise. Driver Licence (over 65's medical requirements) renewal of a annual licence until DBS, DVLA checks required) 95.00 (Payment over the phone only). Application to transfer a private hire vehicle licence. Customer Correspondence Manager Email taxi.stats@dft.gov.uk. Leeds City Council communications and marketing, Leeds City Council Communications team The free three-year license renewals will be worth 450 to most taxi and private hire drivers who need to renew their Leeds license between March 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022. Search the site. The current standard in Leeds is 12 points on a drivers licence before action is taken, but work has been progressed to consider changes considering the national Institute of Licensing framework which was introduced in 2018 and includes a lower threshold of seven points as the recommended standard where formal action should be considered. Call us on 0113 2022 117. . These drivers are part of the lifeblood of our city and we are determined to do as much as we can to help protect their livelihoods., He continued: In addition, many people, especially those with mobility needs or a disability, rely on taxis and private hire vehicles to get around.