Taxi Licensing Policy
It is our job to make sure that drivers, owners and operators of hackney carriage and private hire vehicles are fit to hold such licences. As a result, taxis, their drivers, owners and operators are all licensed by us.
Vehicles have to undergo mechanical tests, whilst drivers have periodic DBS and medical checks.
This policy shows information about legal requirements, government guidance, council policy, procedures and standards relevant to hackney carriage and private hire licensing.
The policy provides guidance to applicants, existing licensed drivers, proprietors and operators when making applications and renewals. Each application will be considered on it own individual merits.
Taxi Licensing Policy
We approved the original policy in October 2017, with the latest amendments to the Taxi Licensing Policy [pdf] 727KB having been approved in December 2020.
Ashford Borough Council are currently performing a routine review of the Taxi Licensing Policy for 2024-2029, and therefore wish to consult the public, partner agencies, and the licensed trade upon the proposed changes that have been identified either through practice or through the Department for Transport’s Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Best Practice Guidance.
An online consultation document has been developed to aid the submission of comments, and is available at; Taxi Licensing Policy 2024-2029 - Ashford Borough Council.
Please be aware;
- The consultation is open now, and will close on 1 April 2024.
- You may comment on all aspects of this consultation regardless of what licences you may or may not hold.
- It is anticipated that it will a minimum of 20 minutes to read and complete this survey.
- It is recommended that you use a desktop computer, laptop or tablet.
- Should you wish to submit an open response please submit your response to licensing@ashford.gov.uk or write to; Licensing, Ashford Borough Council, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1PL.
'Green' Taxi Scheme
Ashford Borough Council is now operating round two of a scheme for three years 'free' licensing for ultra low emission vehicles to encourage their uptake amongst the licensed trade. The number of exemptions available are limited, and the scheme operates on a first come first served basis until March 2025. Further details of this round of the scheme were emailed to the taxi trade on 28 April 2022.
For further information about the scheme and application form please contact Licensing.