Have your say on taxi licensing policy in North Kesteven

The photo has been used for illustration purposes

A consultation on the council’s taxi licensing policy is now underway as the Department for Transport has recently introduced statutory guidance in relation to this sphere of licensing, which is a drive to standardise the regime nationally.

As such, NKDC, as the licensing authority, has decided to undertake a formal review in the light of the new guidance.

Anyone can comment on the policy, which can be accessed from the NKDC website – www.n-kesteven.gov.uk

The closing date for comments is November 16. People can send their comments by letter or email, or by visiting the NKDC website and submitting comments online.

The council particularly wants to hear from local residents.

The Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy details the guidelines to be followed when it issues licences to Hackney carriage vehicles, private hire vehicles, private hire operators and hire drivers.

Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles play a vital role, providing services in situations where other forms of transport are not available. The principal purpose of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing is to protect the public. The safety of the public and the safeguarding of children and the vulnerable will be of the uppermost concern when determining policy, explains the authority, setting standards and deciding how they will be enforced.

All comments received will be considered when renewing the policy. Once amendments have been made, the policy will be approved by the Licensing Committee. From there, it will be recommended to full council in December.

North Kesteven District Councillor and Executive Board member for licensing, Coun Mervyn Head said: “The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy affects both businesses and residents and by asking for comments from the public, the district council can make sure the amended document follows best practice to ensure the safety of all who use a taxi or private hire vehicle within North Kesteven.”

You can write to the Council Licensing Team at North Kesteven District Council, Kesteven Street, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7EF, or email [email protected]