Taxi/private hire car operators
A vehicle licence is for the car/vehicle to be operated. It is often referred to as an 'Operator's Licence'.
(A taxi/private hire car driver's licence is required for the person driving the vehicle)
A taxi is available for hire in a public place. This means it can wait in a taxi rank or be 'hailed' in the street. A private hire car cannot do this and can only be used for hire by private arrangement.
If there are no objections/observations to your application, then it can be dealt with and granted under delegated authority by the head of legal and democratic services. However, if there are objections or observations from either Police Scotland or the head of finance, then your application is submitted to the council's Civic Licensing Committee for consideration by elected Councillors.
In terms of the Road Traffic Act 1988 all Taxi and Private Hire vehicles are required to pass an MOT 12 months from the date of the vehicle's first registration.
All Taxi and Private Hire vehicles will be inspected and tested by Police Scotland.
If you are granted an Operators Licence you will be issued with a fare card which indicates the charges for each tariff and this card must be displayed in your vehicle. You cannot charge more than these fares but you can charge less if you wish.
Licensed zones within Angus
Both drivers and operators will be asked to apply for one zone in their application. Each driver/operator must either uplift or drop off passengers within the zone for which they are licensed. The zones are:-
- Arbroath/Carnoustie
- Forfar/Kirriemuir
- Montrose/Brechin
- Monifieth /Sidlaw
New drivers will be asked to pass a knowledge test of their zones.
Timescales
There is a minimum statutory period of 28 days to allow Police Scotland to carry out their checks. From the date of your application, the council has a period of nine months to either grant or refuse your application.
| Item | New grant | Renewal - 1 year | Renewal - 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi or Private Hire Car with meter (includes lodging, granting and plate fee) (new licences only granted for 1 year) | £537 | £457 | £1073 |
| Taxi or Private Hire Car without meter (includes lodging, granting and plate fee) (new licences only granted for 1 year) | £477 | £404 | £924 |
| Full vehicle and meter retest | £107 | ||
| Substitute/replacement vehicle test | £107 | ||
| Vehicle Retest | £69 | ||
| Meter Test | £61 | ||
| Plate Fee | £34 |
Note - a grant/renewal fee for one year includes one annual test, one re-test and a meter test where applicable. A renewal fee for three years includes three annual tests, three re-tests and three meter tests where applicable.
Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs)
Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) are taxi or private hire vehicles which meet minimum specifications set by Angus Council to accommodate wheelchair users and their companions.
As required by the Equality Act 2010, Angus Council maintains a register of WAVs in the area. Applicants for a licence to operate a WAV will be asked whether they wish to include limited extra information on the register. They may also appeal to the Sheriff against inclusion on the register.
If you have any queries, please email lawlicensing@angus.gov.uk.The Licensing Team are able to provide general guidance on licensing administration but cannot assist you to complete your application form or provide legal advice on whether a licence is required. You should seek legal advice from a solicitor or advice centre if you are unsure as to whether you require a licence.