Proactive enforcement of the taxi and private hire licensed trade is undertaken by means of on street inspections, investigations, operator base visits and the ad-hoc use of recording equipment. Our Enforcement team work closely with both West Midlands Police and other partner agencies to carry out enforcement operations and to take action on illegal activities.
Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles are an important mode of local transport, and as such, have a specific role to play in an integrated transport system. They are able to provide safe, secure and comfortable transport, providing an on-request door-to-door service in various circumstances, including where public transport may not be available, or for those with mobility difficulties.
The aim of the Policy is to regulate the provision of a robust taxi and private hire licensing system, which ensures that the public travel safely, receive a good level of service and drivers and operators are not overly burdened by unnecessary conditions.
Make sure that your meter is always initiated prior to the commencement of every journey
Check your meter regularly to make sure that it is collaborated correctly
Please carry all relevant safety harnesses when using disabled access vehicles
When plying for hire, always make sure that your taxi light is illuminated
Always report accidents within 72 hours
Always use the designated Hackney carriage ranks
Avoid over ranking on the designated ranks
Always adhere to road traffic legislation / Highway Code and be mindful of other road users
Conduct daily vehicle maintenance checks to make sure that your vehicle is in good working order
Always make sure that the journey is pre-booked. As per our conditions, journeys cannot be booked by the driver on behalf of a passenger
Please be considerate when waiting for your pre-booked passenger(s). Always adhere to road traffic legislation / Highway Code and be mindful of other road users
Always report accidents within 72 hours
Report convictions and other associated incidents as per our conditions within 72 hours
Conduct daily vehicle maintenance checks to make sure that your vehicle is in good working order
Our Enforcement Officers regularly conduct roadside vehicle inspections to check the road worthiness and fitness of our licensed vehicles. Enforcement Officers will issue Suspension Notices for major faults.
The areas we check include but is not restricted to;
Tyres Brakes Steering Lights Engine Transmission Interior Condition Bodywork Conditions Insurance Certificate Driver and Vehicle Badges Meters (Hackney carriage vehicles) Fire Extinguisher and First Aid Kit Rear and Door Plates (Vehicle identifiers) Radios correctly fitted
The Enforcement Team work with other departments within Dudley Council to problem solve. Externally, we work closely with West Midlands Police, VOSA, DVLA. Joint Operations have also been held with other Local Licensing Authorities.
Enforcement officers will report drivers of licensed vehicles who:
Unlawfully ply for hire
Drive without valid insurance
Fail to wear or display prominently their badge
Stand or wait on Hackney carriage ranks
Obstruct or fail to comply with a request made by Authorised Officers or Police Officers
Fail to carry guide dogs or disabled passengers (without displaying a medical exemption)
Fail to report accidents to the licensing service
Fail to report convictions and other associated matters
Enforcement officers will report drivers of Hackney carriage vehicles who:
Drive without valid insurance
Fail to wear badge
Do not initiate the meter at the commencement of every journey
Obstruct or fail to comply with a request made by Authorised Officers or Police Officers
Fail to carry guide dogs or disabled passengers (without displaying a medical exemption)
Fail to report accidents to the licensing service
Fail to report convictions and other associated matters
The Enforcement team deal with a wide range of complaints made by members of the public, these include complaints about:
Driver Conduct (Incivility) Race and Sex Discrimination Disability Complaints Standard of Driving Overcharging (Hackney Carriage) Inappropriate Behaviour Safeguarding Concerns Breaches of Licensing Conditions / Bylaws
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