Private Hire & Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy

This consultation seeks the views of the public and hackney carriage/private hire businesses regarding the Draft Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy.

This Policy covers all aspects of the terms and conditions for licensing hackney carriage and private hire drivers, vehicles and operators. Those taking part will be able to comment on all aspects of the Policy.

The key changes within the Draft Policy are:

• All vehicle age requirements have been removed.
• All vehicles licensed must be Euro 6 compliant by 1st September 2025 (Wheelchair accessible vehicles must be Euro 6 compliant by 1st September 2026).
• Insurance Write Off’s updated to reflect the S and N categories replacing the old C and D categories.
• On application new drivers must provide evidence of satisfactory completion of a driving assessment, approved by Hartlepool Borough Council. 

For a full explanation of the proposed changes you can read the report that was given to the Council’s Licensing Committee on 28th March 2025.

Following this formal consultation process, an analysis of the responses received will be undertaken and the results collated for the Licensing Committee to consider. 

The consultation closing date is Friday 23rd May 2025

To respond to the consultation please email licensing@hartlepool.gov.uk or write to us at:

Trading Standards and Licensing Manger

Civic Centre

Hartlepool

TS24 8AY