Hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire licensing

Taxis (also known as Hackney Carriages) and private hire vehicles, their drivers and operators, are licensed by the council to ensure public safety. In the Chichester District all taxis are based on the London cab design whereas private hire vehicles are mainly general production cars, people carriers and minibuses. Every licensed vehicle is tested by the council annually and for some older vehicles, the test is twice a year. For both taxis and private hire, the maximum number of passengers that may be carried is eight. Every licensed driver is required by the council to undergo a regular medical check and enquiry with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS).