Draft taxi licensing policy 2022 - 2027

This is Dorset Council’s first Taxi Licensing Policy and officers have prepared the draft policy with reference to the predecessor council policies and also through engagement with key stakeholders and interested parties through focus groups. Prior to the formation of Dorset Council, each of the predecessor District and Borough Councils had their policies setting out how they would process hackney carriage and private hire matters. Due consideration of these policies has been taken when drafting the Dorset Council Taxi Policy and any areas of good practice have been retained and developed.

This is Dorset Council’s first Taxi Licensing Policy and officers have prepared the draft policy with reference to the predecessor council policies and also through engagement with key stakeholders and interested parties through focus groups. Prior to the formation of Dorset Council, each of the predecessor District and Borough Councils had their policies setting out how they would process hackney carriage and private hire matters. Due consideration of these policies has been taken when drafting the Dorset Council Taxi Policy and any areas of good practice have been retained and developed.

The purpose of licensing drivers, vehicles, and operators for public or private hire is for the protection of the public who use this form of transport.  A member of the public stepping into a motor vehicle driven by a stranger must be able to trust that the driver is honest, competent, safe, and trustworthy, and that the car being used is suitable, safe, and well maintained.

The draft policy sets out how Dorset Council will manage applications, make decisions about who can drive and what vehicles will be licenced, what is expected from those that are licenced and how the Council will deal with complaints. The policy will be used to assist officers, the Licensing Committee and Sub-Committees to make decisions that are fair, clear, and consistent.

Read the draft policy

Read the draft Taxi Licensing Policy 2022 - 2027.