Home | Living | Licensing | Private Hire Operator's Licence | What information must you provide to us as a Private Hire Operator?

What information must you provide to us as a Private Hire Operator?

To help us consider your application it is our policy for you to show us:

1. That you have completed a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check to let us know of any previous motoring or criminal convictions recorded against you.  You have a duty to tell us about any convictions recorded against you in order to help us determine if you are 'fit and proper' to hold a licence.

   CRB checks to an enhanced level will be carried out on first application and every 3 years once (and if) you remain licensed. We may ask you to submit to a check at any other reasonable time.

   If you have any convictions recorded against you, it might affect your right to hold (or continue to hold) a licence. This is because the Council has to be satisfied that you are 'fit and proper' having regard to the safety of the travelling public.  We may take into account spent convictions if considered appropriate.

   If you already hold a driver's licence issued by the Council then you will not need to complete a separate CRB check for your operator's licence application. In all other cases you will have to complete a check so will all other persons stated in the application if submitted by a company or a partnership.

   WARNING
   Look at our guidelines on the rehabilitation periods for convictions and the relevance of past convictions when providing information to us.
   From March 2002, checks have been undertaken by the Criminal Records Bureau. Applicants must obtain the form from us and we will explain the procedure for completion.  We will countersign your form and send it to the CRB.  A fee is payable for CRB checks.  CRB checks are valid for 3 months from the date of issue.  Guidance notes and booklets are available for inspection in our office.

2. That you have provided details about your company or partnership (if applicable) as follows:-
   1. Full trading name, company registration number and registration number and registered office address for the company.
   2. Full details of any director or secretary of the company to include names, addresses and dates of birth.
   3. Full details of all other applicants if in partnership to include names, addresses and dates of birth.
   4. Any convictions recorded against the company, any director or secretary or partners in partnership.

3. That you have planning permission for the business address in Portsmouth you intend to use as a Private Hire booking office. Alternatively, please provide written evidence if you believe that planning permission is not required.

   WARNING
   For a new application you must obtain planning permission (if required) and provide us with a copy of the permission (before) we can consider your licence application.

4. That you can provide us with details of all drivers and vehicles to be operated by you in the event of a licence being granted.

5. That you will allow Council Officers access to your business premises for the purposes of inspection.

   WARNING
   For new applications we may consult with the Police, Ward Councillors and other Council Officers about the suitability of your premises. Please therefore allow us an opportunity of visiting your premises.

6. That you supply us with a copy of your existing (or proposed) table of fares associated with the hire of a private hire vehicle operated by you.