Private hire operators are based at premises throughout the Borough and normally accept bookings over the telephone. Cars are dispatched to customers through the use of radios or computerised systems. There are no restrictions on the number of vehicles and drivers that can be operated under a private hire operators licence.
Regulation Summary
Application for a Licence (including Guidance)
If you require extra copies of the declaration of convictions (including cautions & fixed penatly notices) this can be downloaded below:
A declaration must be completed in all circumstances by all applicants. Where the applicant is a limited company the declarations should be completed by all the directors, and where applicable the company secretary.
Public Register
The legislation does not require us to keep a public register. If you would like to know if an operator is licensed please contact the Trading Standards & Licensing Section.
Application Process
Please complete the application form in full in ink. Ensure that all sections are completed in full (failure to do this will result in your application being returned).
Planning Permission
If an application is for a first grant, written planning permission for each of the premises mentioned in Section 1 of the application may be required. You are therefore advised to contact Planning’s Technical Support Team on (01942) 489151 for advice.
If planning permission is required evidence that this has been obtained must be produced with the application. Where planning permission is deemed unnecessary you may also be required to confirm this in writing. Evidence of planning permission doesn’t have to be produced if there is evidence that this has already been produced to the Trading Standards & Licensing Section.
When you have completed the application form, contact the Licensing Office on (01942) 404627 to make an appointment to submit the application. When you are given an appointment take the completed application form to the Wigan Life Centre, The Wiend, Wigan, WN1 1NH together with the appropriate licence fee.
Alternatively you can post your application together with the appropriate licence fee to The Trading Standards & Licensing Section, Town Hall, Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1YN.
Please be aware that when attending appointments at the Wigan Life Centre you can only now make payments by cheque or credit / debit card. Full details of our current fees are available on our fees and charges page.
Your application will be processed and the licence when issued will last for 12 months. This must be renewed each year prior to the expiry date should you wish to continue to operate private hire vehicles. There is no statutory period for determining applications however we aim to determine applications within 5 working days.
Conditions
Change of Circumstances
Any change of circumstances in relation to an existing licence must be notified to the Trading Standards & Licensing Section. This includes the surrendering of the licence, any change of ownership or any other material change to the licence or how you operate.
There is a fee due in respect of any change that requires a new licence to be issued, or if a duplicate copy of the existing licence is required.
Change of Ownership
Where there is a change in the ownership of a firm holding an operators licence (either by the addition or removal of one or more partner) this must be notified to the Licensing Section immediately in writing. The new owner(s) must then make an application for a new licence as if it were a first application, whether or not the operating name remains the same. There is no provision within the legislation to transfer a licence to operate private hire vehicles.
Failed Application
Please contact the Trading Standards & Licensing Section in the first instance. There is however a right of appeal to the Magistrates Court should your application be refused.
Complaint
If you wish to make a complaint about a private hire operator please contact the Trading Standards & Licensing Section using the contact details given below.
Related Entries
* This page was last reviewed on 12 January 2012 *
