Taxi Licensing Fred Perry House Edward Street, Stockport SK1 3XE Saxon Direct Line: 0161 474 3264 Fax: 0161 474 4369 Email: [email protected]

HACKNEY CARRIAGE & PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER APPLICATION PACK

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BECOMING A LICENSED HACKNEY CARRIAGE OR PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER IN STOCKPORT

CONTENTS

Section Heading Page number 1 What do I need to do to get a licence to drive a taxi? 3 2 Do I need a hackney carriage or private hire driver’s licence? 3 3 What do I need to apply for a driver’s licence? 4 4 What other documentation do I need to submit at the time of 6 application? 5 How do I submit my application? 6 6 What happens if I have convictions? 7 7 What further exams and tests do I have to take? 8 8 What happens after successful completion of the driver 8 knowledge exam? 9 How long does it take to process my application? 8 10 Do I get my money back if my application is unsuccessful or if 8 I withdraw my application? Appendix 1 Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Driver Test Guidance 10 Appendix 2 Obsolete Appendix 3 Legislation relating to Hackney Carriage & Private Hire 16 Drivers Appendix 4 Private Hire Driver and Vehicle Conditions 19 Appendix 5 Hackney Carriage Driver Conditions and Bye-laws relating to 26 Hackney Carriage Vehicles

h&e706 version 21 - 2 - 1. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET A LICENCE TO DRIVE A TAXI?

1.1 In order to drive either a licensed Hackney Carriage (Black cab style) or Private Hire vehicle, you will need to obtain a licence from the Council.

1.2 This pack explains how you go about obtaining a licence from us and details the application process from start to finish.

2. DO I NEED A HACKNEY CARRIAGE OR PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER’S LICENCE?

2.1 There are 2 main types of licensed vehicle in Stockport:  Hackney Carriage  Private Hire Vehicle

Both the vehicle and driver must be licensed by Stockport Council to drive passengers.

2.2 We also issue Executive Hire driver and vehicle licences which although are very similar to a Private Hire licence, they are often used corporately or for special occasions and are more akin to chauffeur driven style vehicles rather than a Private Hire vehicle. If you wish to apply for this type of licence you should refer to our Executive Hire Driver’s Pack which is available on our website at www.stockport.gov.uk/taxilicensing.

2.3 Hackney Carriage

2.3.1 A Hackney Carriage is also referred to as a ‘taxi’ or ‘public hire vehicle’. 2.3.2 A Stockport Hackney Carriage driver can ply for hire from designated Taxi Ranks in Stockport, be flagged down on the street by customers or take pre-bookings through a licensed Private Hire Operator. It is a criminal offence for a Stockport Hackney Carriage Driver to pick up passengers outside of the borough of Stockport unless it is by prior booking and renders the insurance invalid. 2.3.3 A Hackney Carriage can be licensed to carry up to a maximum of 8 passengers. 2.3.4 Hackney Carriage vehicles licensed by Stockport Council have a white licence plate on the back of the vehicle giving the licence plate number. They also have a ‘Taxi’ roof sign. 2.3.5 All Hackney Carriages licensed by Stockport Council are required to be wheelchair accessible. 2.3.6 Only the holder of a Hackney Carriage driver’s licence can drive a licensed Hackney Carriage vehicle.

h&e706 version 21 - 3 - 2.4 Private Hire

2.4.1 A Private Hire driver and vehicle must be pre-booked in advance by passengers through a licensed Private Hire Operator. 2.4.2 Unlike for Hackney Carriages, it is a criminal offence for a Private Hire driver to ply for hire by picking up passengers without prior booking and renders the vehicle insurance invalid. 2.4.3 A Private Hire vehicle can be licensed to carry up to a maximum of 8 passengers. 2.4.4 Private Hire vehicles licensed by Stockport Council have a yellow licence plate on the front and back of the vehicle giving the licence plate number. The vehicle must also display Stockport Council issued notices stating ‘pre-booked journeys only’ on the rear doors just below the window line. 2.4.5 Only the holder of a Private Hire driver’s licence can drive a licensed Private Hire vehicle.

3. WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A DRIVER’S LICENCE?

3.1 In order to apply for a Driver’s Licence, the following information must be submitted in its entirety at the time of application. Only complete applications will be accepted for processing. Any incomplete applications will be invalid and will be returned to the applicant. The relevant forms are available to download from our website.

3.2 Application Form (ref h&e701)

3.2.1 The application form asks for the applicant’s personal details and previous licensing history. 3.2.2 The application form provides a checklist of all the documents you are required to produce in order to process the application. 3.2.3 You must sign the declarations and consents.

3.3 The Application Fee

3.3.1 Details of the current fees are on our website www.stockport.gov.uk/taxilicensing 3.3.2 The licence fee is exclusive of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) application fee which is payable direct to Personnel Checks. The DBS requirement is explained in paragraph 3.8. 3.3.3 The application fee is non-refundable.

3.4 Medical Report of fitness to drive a licensed vehicle (ref h&e703)

3.4.1 In order to drive a licensed vehicle, the applicant must be able to pass a medical examination. This is because there is a risk and level of responsibility involved in driving the general public on a day-to-day basis.

h&e706 version 21 - 4 - There are also physical demands such as lifting heavy objects like luggage or wheelchairs. 3.4.2 Certain medical conditions may prevent you from driving professionally and it is important that the Council is informed. 3.4.3 The applicant’s own GP or one who has access to your full medical history and records must complete this form. There is usually a fee payable for this service, determined by the Medical Practice. 3.4.4 The medical is valid for 28 days from the date of issue and so we recommend that this is the last document that you obtain before attending surgery to submit your application.

3.5 Applicant Declaration Form (ref h&e719)

3.5.1 This is a declaration detailing any convictions held by you. 3.5.2 Stockport Council expects you to obey this undertaking strictly. All convictions, including any which you may consider as ‘spent’, motoring convictions, restorative justice or other criminal disposal that you have been subject to and offences committed outside of the UK, must be declared. 3.5.3 Before completing this form, you should read the Stockport Council Guidelines Relating to the Relevance of Convictions, detailed in Appendix 2 of this pack.

3.6 Data Protection Mandate (ref h&e712)

3.6.1 By completing and signing this form, you give permission for Stockport Council to request your current endorsement and licence category information from the DVLA via the external company Intelligent Data Systems.

3.7 A DVSA test certificate issued within the last 6 months

3.7.1 You will need to sit a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) practical test and receive a certificate showing successful completion of the practical taxi and private hire test (the private hire assessment). You do not require the wheelchair assessment. 3.7.2 You can book your test online https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test. If you have any queries regarding this element, you must contact the DVSA and not the Licensing Team. The DVSA test may be undertaken at any of the DVSA test centres.

3.8 Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate

3.8.1 Stockport Council is empowered in law to check for the existence and content of any criminal record held in the name of an applicant in order to establish whether an applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

h&e706 version 21 - 5 - 3.8.2 In order to obtain this information you must make an application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to obtain a certificate of your criminal history. 3.8.3 Stockport Council now work in partnership with a company called Personnel Checks who will assist you in the DBS process. Their contact details are on our website at www.stockport.gov.uk/taxilicensing. 3.8.4 There is a fee of £44 for the DBS application that is payable directly to Personnel Checks. They will advise you how to make this payment. 3.8.5 Personnel Checks will advise you as to what supporting documentation you are required to submit in order to satisfy the identity checking requirements of the DBS check. You have three options to get scanned copies of your original documents to Personnel Checks: a) Take the documents into a Taxi Licensing Surgery drop in session at Fred Perry House, where scanned copies will be taken and forwarded to Personnel Checks free of charge; b) Take the documents directly to Personnel Checks office in Accrington (there will be an admin charge of £25 by Personnel Checks for this); c) Take the documents to a Post Office, who will charge a fee of £8 to make certified copies which you can then post/email to Personnel Checks. 3.8.6 The DBS disclosure certificate will be sent directly back to you and you must bring it in to the Council at the time of your application. Any information received by us in relation to information on your DBS Certificate will be kept in strict confidence and will only be used for the purposes of establishing whether you are a fit and proper person to hold a licence. 3.8.7 All the information collected will be used to determine whether you are a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a licence under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847.

4. WHAT OTHER DOCUMENTATION DO I NEED TO SUBMIT AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION?

4.1 In addition to the forms explained in Section 3, the applicant must also submit the required supporting documentation listed in the application form h&e701.

4.2 We will not accept any incomplete or unsigned forms. All of the documentation must be presented together or the application will be returned to the applicant.

h&e706 version 21 - 6 -

5. HOW DO I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?

5.1 In order to submit the application, you will need to make an appointment for one of our Taxi Licensing surgeries at Fred Perry House by using our online booking system. A link to the booking system can be found at www.stockport.gov.uk/taxilicensing.

5.2 Current Taxi Licensing surgery times are:

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 2pm – 2.30pm Drop-in session 2.30pm – 4pm Bookable appointments

Wednesday and Friday 10am – 10.30am Drop-in session 10.30am - 12pm Bookable appointments

5.3 If you are having difficulty accessing a suitable device to use the booking system or are struggling to use it, there are computers available in Fred Perry House reception and staff who will be able to assist.

5.4 Only fully completed applications will be accepted for processing. Any incomplete applications will be invalid and will be returned to the applicant. The relevant forms are attached to the back of this pack.

5.5 Surgery appointments get booked up very quickly so we recommend that you book your appointment at your earliest convenience to avoid any delays in the processing of your application. There are no time constraints on the surgery bookings so you are able to book a slot for an appointment well in advance of the actual appointment.

6. WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE CONVICTIONS?

6.1 If you have declared any convictions on the Applicant Declaration Form, and/or information on the DBS Certificate indicates convictions or other information, then the application will be considered by the Licensing, Environment and Safety Committee.

6.2 The disclosure of a criminal record, caution or other information will not prevent applicants from gaining a Licence unless Stockport Council considers that the information renders them unsuitable to hold a Licence.

6.3 You will be invited to attend the Committee Meeting where elected members of the Council will make a decision on the progress of the application. They may ask you any relevant questions in order to

h&e706 version 21 - 7 - determine whether you are a fit and proper person to be a licensed driver in Stockport.

6.4 In making its decision, Stockport Council will consider the nature of the offence, how long ago it was committed and any other factors that may be relevant in accordance with the Stockport Council Statement of Policy and Guidelines Relating to the Relevance of Convictions which can be found on our website.

6.5 Once the Committee has considered the application, you will be informed of their decision as soon as possible. Usually at the time of the meeting.

6.6 If the Licence is granted, you should contact the Licensing Team as soon as possible to arrange to take the Driver Knowledge Exam.

6.7 If the application is refused, the applicant has the right of appeal to Stockport Magistrates Court.

6.8 Please also refer to our convictions policy on our website ‘Statement of policy and guidelines relating to the relevance of convictions, formal/simple cautions, complaints and other matters which may impact on the granting of a licence’, for guidance in relation to any convictions/cautions and/ or points on your Licence and how this might affect your application.

7. WHAT FURTHER EXAMS AND TESTS DO I HAVE TO TAKE?

7.1 You will first be required to sit the Driver Knowledge Exam. Guidance in relation to this exam is given in Appendix 1 of this pack.

7.2 Should you not achieve the required pass mark for this exam, you can pay the retest fee and re-sit the exam no less than 4 weeks later.

8. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE DRIVER KNOWLEDGE EXAM?

8.1 Once all checks and tests have been successfully carried out, the driver’s badge and paper Licence will be issued by post within 5 working days.

8.2 Licences can be issued for 1 year or 3 years.

8.3 Applicants who wish to renew their Licence must submit a renewal application to Taxi Licensing before the expiry date of the Licence.

8.4 It is your responsibility to ensure you renew your Licence before it expires.

h&e706 version 21 - 8 - 8.5 Failure to renew your badge before the date of expiry will result in you having to start the whole application process over again, this means you will be regarded as a new applicant.

9. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS MY APPLICATION?

9.1 It usually takes around 6 weeks to process the application and carry out the relevant checks.

9.2 The process time is dependent on you producing the correct documentation, any requirement to attend Committee and the successful completion of the driver exam and tests.

9.3 The application will be cancelled if the Licence is not issued within 12 months of the application.

10. DO I GET MY MONEY BACK IF MY APPLICATION IS UNSUCCESSFUL OR IF I WITHDRAW MY APPLICATION?

10.1 The Licence fee is non-refundable.

h&e706 version 21 - 9 - APPENDIX 1 - HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER TEST INFORMATION

DRIVER KNOWLEDGE EXAM

In order to become a licensed Private Hire or Hackney Carriage driver, the applicant must pass the Stockport Council Driver Knowledge Exam.

The objectives of the exam are to assess that the applicant has a good all round knowledge of:  the area in which he/she will be working.  the Stockport Council Conditions of Licence for drivers and vehicles.  the legislation that applies to licensed drivers and vehicles.  disability awareness.  in the case of Hackney driver applicants – the bye-laws and boundaries of Stockport.

The exam is comprised of four sections with an additional fifth section for Hackney Driver Licence applicants.

SECTION 1 comprises of 5 compulsory questions. Applicants must answer all 5 questions correctly. Failure to successfully answer all 5 questions will result in a failure of the exam.

The compulsory questions relate to the following:

a. Conditions of Licence for both drivers and vehicles - applicants are advised to study the driver and vehicle conditions which are given in Appendix 4 and 5 of this pack. b. Disability Awareness - as a new driver you will be expected to have some understanding of your obligations when conveying disabled passengers or passengers who have assistance dogs. We recommend that you study relevant information including ‘Transport Options for Disabled People’ and information on the relevant recommended web site list shown on page 14 of this pack. These websites give disability awareness advice and contact numbers for any potential driver seeking further information. c. Legislation relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles – as a driver you are expected to know how to work within the law. The main provisions in relation to this legislation are given in Appendix 3 of this pack. d. All prospective drivers must have an understanding of their obligations with regard to checking and maintaining their vehicle throughout its working life. Drivers should carry out regular maintenance checks prior to starting work and at the end of their shift. Drivers should also ensure the vehicle contains the required safety equipment and is displaying livery as prescribed in the conditions of Licence. Questions may be asked as to the

h&e706 version 21 - 10 - importance of checking the vehicle and what items should be checked on a regular basis. e. Fare meters very rarely fail to operate, however in the event of this happening a driver may be required to calculate the fare manually using the ‘Fare Table’ and distance travelled, so a basic understanding of mathematics will be required.

SECTION 2 gives the applicant a list of 40 routes, 10 of which will be picked at random on the day of the exam. The applicant must give the shortest route for each of the 10 selected, from one destination to another and name all roads names along the way. The routes have been chosen to ensure that the applicant has a good all round appreciation of the Stockport area and near-by points of interest. We do not recommend internet route planning sites to prepare for this part of the exam as they sometimes do not give the shortest route. A-Z street atlases of Stockport and surrounding areas are available from high street stores and petrol stations.

The routes for study are as follows:

1. Wycliffe Hotel to the Etihad Stadium

2. Davenport Railway station to Buxton Pavilion Gardens

3. Britannia Hotel to Liverpool Airport

4. Stockport County Football Club to Manchester Airport

5. Cheadle Royal Hospital to Wythenshawe Hospital

6. Abney Hall, Cheadle to Poynton Railway Station.

7. Bredbury Hall Hotel to Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.

8. The Village Hotel, Cheadle to the Trafford Centre.

9. Bramhall Town Centre to the Phones 4U Arena.

10. Heald Green Hotel to the Beetham Tower, Manchester.

11. Plaza Theatre Mersey Square to Bredbury Hall Hotel and Country Club

12. The ‘Puss in Boots’ Public House, Heaviley to the Carousel Public House, South Reddish

13. Stockport College to Aldi Supermarket, Offerton

14. ASDA Supermarket Stockport to Lenham Towers Brinnington

15. Bramhall Railway Station to Fred Perry House, Stockport

h&e706 version 21 - 11 - 16. Morrison’s Supermarket, Cheadle Heath to Cheadle Hulme Railway Station

17. Woodley Precinct to Stepping Hill Hospital

18. Stockport Town Hall to the Village Leisure Centre, Cheadle

19. Mersey Square to the Adidas outlet at Pear Mill (off Stockport Rd West).

20. The Fir tree Pub, Gorton Road, Reddish to Stockport County Football Club

21. The Elizabethan Public House, Heaton Moor to the Dialstone Centre, Offerton

22. Tesco Supermarket, Tiviot Way to Stepping Hill Hospital

23. Petersgate, Stockport to the Copthorne Hotel, Salford

24. Cheadle Hulme Railway Station to Bredbury Hall Hotel and Country Club

25. Stepping hill Hospital to Wythenshawe Hospital

26. Davenport Railway Station to Priestnall Sports Centre, Heaton Moor

27. Chestergate to Stockport Golf Club

28. Britannia Hotel, Offerton to Manchester Airport Terminal 3

29. Chestergate to Chadkirk Industrial Estate

30. Bramhall Village Centre to Brabyn’s Preparatory School, Marple

31. Chestergate to Manchester Airport, Moat House Hotel

32. Houldsworth Square, Reddish to the Manchester Arena

33. The Heald Green Hotel to Lancashire Cricket Club, Old Trafford

34. Station Road, Marple to Bredbury Hall Hotel and Country Club

35. Tiviot Dale, Stockport to the Christie Hospital, Withington

36. Petersgate, Stockport to the Velodrome, Manchester

37. Heald Green Railway Station to Woodford Garden Centre

38. Gala Bingo Club to UCG Cinema, Parrswood

39. Stockport Railway Station to Strangeways Prison

h&e706 version 21 - 12 - 40. Houldsworth Square, Reddish to Marple Top Lock

SECTION 3 gives the applicant a number of points of interest within Stockport. Applicants will be required to give the exact location of 40 of these points of interest which will be chosen at random on the day of the exam.

The points of interest for study are:

SCHOOLS

Adswood Primary School St Ambrose Catholic Primary Ladybrook Primary School Moss Hey Primary School Pownall Green Primary School Valley School Arden Primary School St Marks CE Primary School Castle Hill School St Bernadettes Catholic Primary School St Pauls CE Primary School Cheadle Primary School Meadowbank Primary School Cheadle Heath Primary School Stockport Academy

PUBLIC HOUSES

The Arden Arms The Bakers Vaults The Armoury Calverts Court The Fiveways Hotel The Florist Gardeners Arms The Golden Hind The Hinds Head The Horseshoe Inn The Jolly Crofter The Nelson Tavern The Jolly Sailor The Kings Head The Old Rectory The Plough The Queens The Red Bull The Travellers Call The Red Lion (Cheadle)

HOTELS

The Britannia Hotel The Family Lodge Hotel The Davenport Park Hotel The Premier Inn (Cheadle) The Wycliffe Hotel Bredbury Hall Hotel and Country Club

POLICE & FIRE STATIONS

Cheadle Heath Police Station Bredbury Police Station Hazel Grove Police station Reddish Police station Marple Police Office Stockport Fire Station Whitehill Fire Station Offerton Fire Station Cheadle Fire Station

RESTAURANTS

Amici Bunga Raya Rozafa Siam Village Harappa Frankie and Benny’s Picasso Tapas Bar and Restaurant La Casona Spice Tower Simply Thai

h&e706 version 21 - 13 - SUPERMARKETS

Tesco Extra (Stockport) Morrisons (Bredbury) Sainsburys (Cheadle) Waitrose (Cheadle Hulme) Farm Foods (Town Centre) Asda (Town Centre) Iceland Frozen Foods (Marple) Morrisons (Cheadle Heath) Aldi (Romiley) Lidl (Cheadle)

HOSPITALS & MEDICAL CENTRES

Stepping Hill Hospital The Alexandra Hospital Wythenshawe Hospital Parkview Group Practice Springfield Surgery Marple Medical Practice Shaw Heath Health Centre The Family Surgery Heaton Mersey Medical Practice Delamere Practice Eastholme Surgery Lowfield Surgery Cale Green Surgery Cedar House Surgery South Reddish Medical Centre Shaw Villa Medical Centre Heaton Norris Health Centre Edgeley Medical Practice Ryley Mount Dial House Medical Centre Heaton Moor Medical Centre Ellesmere Medical Centre Alvanley Practice Highfield House Consulting Rooms Chadsfield Medical Practice

RAILWAY STATIONS

Bramhall Bredbury Brinnington Cheadle Hulme Gatley Hazel Grove Heald Green Heaton Chapel Marple Reddish North Reddish South Romiley Rose Hill Marple Stockport Strines Woodley Woodsmoor

LEISURE & RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

David Lloyd Chadkirk Chapel Etherow Country Park Visitor Centre Stockport Museum Hollywood Park Edgeley reservoirs The Hat Museum Power League Soccer Centre Stockport County FC Abney Hall

Section 4 requires the applicant to answer 10 questions relating to the Highway Code and Stockport Council Licensing Conditions. For this we recommend that the applicant studies the Highway Code and Stockport Council Licensing Conditions. Driver and vehicle Licensing Conditions are given in Appendix 4 and 5 of this pack.

Section 5 is to be answered by Hackney Carriage Driver Licence applicants only. This additional section covers Hackney Carriage bye-laws, Licensing Conditions, prominent roads, land marks and features identifying the boundaries of Stockport

h&e706 version 21 - 14 - and other neighbouring authorities. Bye-laws in relation to Hackney Carriage Vehicles are given in Appendix 5 of this pack. It is also advisable to study A-Z area maps of Stockport and surrounding areas.

The pass mark required for the exam is as follows: Section 1 – 5 out of 5 Section 2 – 8 out of 10 Section 3 – 35 out of 40 Section 4 – 8 out of 10 Section 5 – 8 out of 10

Applicants will be given two hours in which to complete the exam. Any applicant who does not achieve the required pass mark will be given the opportunity to re- sit the exam at a later date, not less than 4 weeks after sitting the test. This will incur a re-test fee (see website or contact Taxi Licensing for details of the current fee).

Reference material is strictly prohibited for use during the exam, this includes A-Z maps, sat navs or mobile phones. Any candidate found using reference material will automatically fail the exam and will not be permitted to re-sit for 3 months.

Recommended websites for the purposes of study: www.stockport.gov.uk www.gmp.police.uk www.yell.com www.direct.gov.uk/Highwaycode http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_world/travel_index_ew/transport_option s_for_disabled_people.htm www.adviceguide.org.uk/disability_discrimination www.guidedogs.org.uk www.disabilitystockport.org.uk

h&e706 version 21 - 15 - APPENDIX 3 – LEGISLATION RELATING TO HACKNEY CARRIAGE AND PRIVATE HIRE DRIVERS

The following information is intended to provide a guide to the main provisions of the legislation relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire. This should not be taken as a comprehensive and authoritative statement of the law for which reference should be made to the appropriate legislation.

LEGISLATION APPLICABLE TO DRIVERS a) Hackney Carriage Drivers

Town Police Clauses Act 1847 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 Bylaws Greater Manchester Act 1981 Section 166 (1-4) Health Act 2006 Equality Act 2010 b) Licensed Hire Car (Private Hire) Drivers

Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 Licence Conditions Greater Manchester Act 1981 Section 166-167 Health Act 2006 Equality Act 2010

REQUIREMENTS TO DRIVE A LICENSED VEHICLE Before a person can drive a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle, they must obtain a Licence to drive a licensed vehicle from the Council. A Licence will be issued provided the applicant fulfils all of the Councils requirements.

SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF DRIVER’S LICENCE The Council has the power to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a driver’s Licence if the driver has been convicted of an offence under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 or the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, or for any other reasonable cause.

DRIVER’S BADGE When a Licence is issued the driver will be provided with a Badge which must be worn at all times whilst engaged in licensed hire work, in a position where it can be clearly visible when driving for hire. It is a criminal offence for drivers not to wear their badge whilst working.

PROLONGATION OF JOURNEYS It is an offence for any driver of a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire vehicle without reasonable cause to unnecessarily prolong in time or distance a journey for which the vehicle has been hired.

h&e706 version 21 - 16 - SMOKING IN A LICENSED VEHICLE It is a criminal offence to smoke in a smoke free place, this includes smoke free premises and smoke free vehicles. Hackney Carriages and Private Hire vehicles are classed as smoke free vehicles. The penalties and fines for the smoke free offences set out in the Health Act 2006 are: Smoking in a smoke free premises or vehicle: a fixed penalty notice of £50 (discounted to £30 if paid within 15 days from the issue of a notice) or a fine by a court not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale (up to £200) Failure to display no smoking signs in smoke free premises and vehicles as required by the new law: a fixed penalty notice of £200 (discounted to £150 if paid within 15 days from the issue of a notice) or a fine by a court not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (up to £1000) Failing to prevent smoking in a smoke free premises or vehicle: a fine by a court not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale (up to £2500)

FARES FOR LONG JOURNEYS – HACKNEY CARRIAGE VEHICLES Any driver of a Hackney Carriage/Taxi undertaking a journey outside of the Stockport boundary which ends at a point within the County but outside the district and less than 4 miles from the nearest boundary of Stockport (known as the regulated distance) the driver is compelled to undertake the hire and shall not require a fare greater than that recorded on the taximeter plus any allowable extras.

All journeys going beyond this area are not compelled and the driver can negotiate a fare with the passenger, but must do so before the start of the journey. If he fails to negotiate a fare he must not require a fare greater than that recorded on the taximeter. If he endeavours to demand a greater fare in either case he shall be guilty of an offence.

HACKNEY CARRIAGE USED FOR PRIVATE HIRE No Hackney Carriage can be used within the regulated distance under a contract or purported contract for private hire except at a rate of fare no greater than the fares fixed by the Council for Hackney Carriages. The fare should be charged from the point the hirer commences his journey to their destination. Any person who knowingly contravenes these provisions will be guilty of an offence.

TAXIMETERS Applicants are advised that it is an offence to tamper with any seal on a taximeter or alter the taximeter with intent to mislead.

ILLEGAL PLYING FOR HIRE It is a criminal offence for any Private Hire driver to take any passengers for hire or reward without the journey first being booked through a Licensed Private Hire Operator. This also renders the vehicle insurance invalid.

It is also a criminal offence for a Hackney Carriage driver to pick up passengers for hire or reward outside of the boundaries of Stockport, without prior booking.

h&e706 version 21 - 17 - OBSTRUCTION OF AUTHORISED OFFICERS AND CONSTABLES It is an offence for any person to willfully obstruct any authorised Officer of the Council. This includes the failure to comply with any requirement of the Officer or failing to give them any assistance or information they may reasonably require.

h&e706 version 21 - 18 - APPENDIX 4 – Private Hire Driver and Vehicle Conditions

CONDITIONS FOR LICENSED HIRE CAR DRIVERS

1. ‘authorised officer’ has the same meaning as in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

‘the Council’ means the Council of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport.

‘the identification plate’ means the plate issued by the Council for the purpose of identifying the vehicle as a licensed hire car.

‘the operator’ means a person holding a licence to operate hire cars issued pursuant to Section 55 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. ‘licensed hire car’ has the same meaning as in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

‘taximeter’ has the same meaning as in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

‘the proprietor’ has the same meaning as in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

2. The driver shall notify the Council in writing of any conviction or police caution recorded against him immediately after the conviction or caution has been imposed.

3. The driver shall not permit any other person to drive a vehicle let for hire except with the consent of the proprietor.

4. The driver shall at all times when the vehicle is available or being driven for hire, be clean and respectful in his dress and person, shall behave in an orderly manner and conduct himself with civility and propriety towards every person seeking to hire or hiring or being conveyed, and shall comply with every reasonable requirement of every person hiring or being conveyed in the vehicle.

5. The driver shall not, except with the express consent of the hirer, drink or eat in the vehicle whilst the vehicle is being let for hire.

6. Whilst the vehicle is being let for hire the driver shall not, except with the express consent of the hirer, play any radio or sound producing instrument or equipment other than for communicating with the operator.

7. The driver when hired to drive to any particular destination shall, subject to any directions given by the hirer, proceed to that destination by the shortest practical route.

h&e706 version 21 - 19 - 8. The driver shall not, except with the express consent of the hirer, convey any other person other than the hirer in the licensed hire car.

9. The driver shall not conceal either the exterior identification plate of the licensed hire car or the details painted or marked thereon, or the interior display of the licensed hire car licence numbers, from the public view and will keep the identification plate and the details in a clean condition.

10. The driver of a licensed hire car whose vehicle has been hired to be in attendance at an appointed time or place shall, unless delayed or prevented by some sufficient cause, punctually attend with the licensed hire car at such appointed time and place.

11. The driver shall afford all reasonable assistance with passenger’s luggage.

12. The driver shall deposit his licensed hire car driver’s licence with the proprietor of the vehicle before commencing to drive the licensed hire vehicle.

13. The driver shall immediately after the termination of any hiring or as soon as practicable thereafter carefully search the licensed hire car for any property which may have been accidentally left therein.

14. The driver of a licensed hire car shall, if any property is accidentally left therein by a person who may have been conveyed in the vehicle and be found by or handed to him, carry it as soon as possible and in any event within 24 hours if not sooner claimed by or on behalf of its owner, to a Police Station in the district in order to receive instructions from the Police regarding its custody.

15. The driver shall at all times when a vehicle is hired, take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the passengers whilst conveyed in, entering or alighting from the vehicle.

16. The driver shall give notice to the Council of any change of his address during the period of his licence within seven days of such change taking place.

17. The driver shall not permit a licensed hire car to carry a greater number of passengers than the number prescribed in the licence for the licensed hire car.

18. The driver shall not allow any child under the age of 10 years to be conveyed in the front of the vehicle.

19. The driver shall allow only one passenger to be carried in the front beside the driver, except where the hire car is licensed to carry more than six passengers and appropriate seat belts are fitted.

20. The driver shall at all times carry a copy of these conditions and the conditions attached to the vehicle licence in the licensed hire car for inspection by the hirer or other passengers.

21. The driver shall if requested by the hirer provide him with a written receipt of the fare paid.

h&e706 version 21 - 20 -

22. If the vehicle being driven is fitted with a taximeter the driver shall not cause the fare recorded thereon to be cancelled or concealed until the hirer has had reasonable opportunity of examining it and has paid the fare.

23. The driver of a licensed hire car shall not demand from any hirer a fare in excess of that previously agreed for that hiring between the hirer and the licensed hire car operator, or if it is a vehicle fitted with a taximeter the fare shown on the face of the taximeter.

24. The driver shall at no time cause or permit the noise emitted by any radio equipment or any sound reproducing equipment installed in the licensed hire car to be a source of nuisance or annoyance to any person whether inside or outside the vehicle.

25. The driver shall not while driving or in charge of a licensed hire car:-

(a) Tout or solicit on a road or other public place any person to hire or be carried for hire in any licensed hire car, or

(b) Cause or procure any other person to tout or solicit on a road or other public place any person to hire or be carried for hire in any licensed hire car, or

(c) Offer that vehicle for immediate hire while the driver of that vehicle is on a road or other public place, or

(d) Accept an offer for the immediate hire of that vehicle while the driver is on a road or other public place except where such offer is first communicated to the driver by telephone or by radio apparatus fitted to that vehicle.

In this condition:

‘Road' means any highway and any other road to which the public has access including such roads at Manchester International Airport and bridges over which a road passes.

26. The licence holder will attend the Licensing, Environment and Safety Committee following any conviction or police caution in respect of a criminal offence.

27. A licence in respect of which the licence fee has been paid by cheque shall not be effective until the cheque has been cleared.

h&e706 version 21 - 21 - CONDITIONS FOR LICENSED HIRE CARS

1. In this Licence 'authorised officer' has the same meaning as in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

'the Council' means the Council of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport.

'the identification plate' means the plate issued by the council for the purpose of identifying the vehicle as a licensed hire car.

'the proprietor' has the same meaning as in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

'the taximeter' has the same meaning as in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

'licensed hire car' has the same meaning as in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

2. The identification plates when issued by the Council must be affixed to the front and rear of the licensed hire car, in accordance with the reasonable instructions of the authorised officer of the Council at the cost of the proprietor.

3. The proprietor of the licensed hire car shall ensure the identification plates are maintained and kept in such a condition that the information contained on the identification plates are clearly visible to the public at all times.

4. The identification plates shall be securely fixed to the vehicle in accordance with the instructions of the authorised officer but in such a manner as to be easily removable by the authorised officer of the Council or a Constable.

5. The proprietor of the licensed hire car shall cause the number of the licensed hire car's licence granted by the Council in respect of the licensed hire car to be clearly marked and kept and maintained inside the vehicle in such a position as to be clearly visible at all times to persons being conveyed in the licensed hire car.

6. The proprietor shall ensure the licensed hire car shall be maintained in a sound mechanical and structural condition at all times and be capable of satisfying the Council's mechanical and structural inspection at any time during the continuance of the vehicle's licence in respect of the vehicle.

7. The interior and exterior of the licensed hire car shall be kept in a clean condition and maintained in a safe condition by the proprietor.

8. The proprietor shall not allow the mechanical and structural specification of the licensed hire car and its external colour to be varied without the consent of the Council.

9. The proprietor of the licensed hire car shall:

h&e706 version 21 - 22 - (a) Provide sufficient means by which any person in the licensed hire car may communicate with the driver during the course of the hiring. (b) Cause the interior of the vehicle to be kept wind and water tight. (c) Provide any necessary windows and means of opening and closing with not less than one window on each side of the passenger compartment. (d) Cause the seats in the passenger compartment to be properly cushioned and covered. (e) Cause the floor in the passenger compartment to be provided with a proper carpet, mat or other suitable covering. (f) Cause fittings and furniture of the licensed hire car to be kept in a clean condition and well maintained and in every way fit and safe for public use. (g) Provide facilities for the conveyance of luggage safely and protected from inclement weather. (h) Provide and maintain to the satisfaction of the authorised officer an efficient fire extinguisher. (i) Provide at least two doors for use of persons conveyed in such licensed hire car and a separate means of ingress and egress for the driver. (j) Provide and maintain a first-aid kit containing the following first aid dressing and appliances:-

1 x First Aid Guidance Leaflet 3 x Medium Size Sterile Wound Dressings No. 8 1 x Large Size Sterile Wound Dressing No. 9 1 x Extra Large Sterile Wound Dressing No. 3 20 x Assorted Sterile Adhesive Dressings (plasters) 2 x Triangular Bandages 95 cm X 134 cm 6 x Safety Pins (Assorted) 1 x Pair Scissors Blunt / Blunt Ends 10 x Alcohol Free Moist Wipes

10. Any damage to a licensed hire car materially affecting the safety, performance or appearance of the vehicle shall be reported to the Council by the proprietor in accordance with Section 50(3) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and until such damage is repaired to the satisfaction of the authorised officer of the Council the vehicle shall not be used for hire.

11. The proprietor shall not cause or permit any sign, notice or advertisement to be displayed in, on or from the licensed hire car unless such sign, notice or advertisement is approved in writing by the Council.

12. The proprietor shall cause to be affixed and maintained in a conspicuous position in accordance with the directions of the Council any signs or notices required from time to time by the Council.

13. The proprietor shall not permit the licensed hire car to be used to carry a greater number of passengers than the number prescribed in the licence.

14. The proprietor shall not allow any child under the age of 10 years to be conveyed in the front of the vehicle.

h&e706 version 21 - 23 - 15. The proprietor shall allow only one passenger to be conveyed in the front of the vehicle beside the driver, except where the hire car is licensed to carry more than six passengers and the appropriate seat belts are fitted.

16. If the vehicle is fitted with a taximeter;

(a) The proprietor shall cause the taximeter to be of a type approved by the Council and to be maintained in a sound mechanical condition at all times and for it to be located within the vehicle in accordance with the reasonable instructions of the authorised officer.

(b) The proprietor shall cause the taximeter to be set to display the proprietor's fare table approved by the Council from time to time.

(c) The proprietor shall not use or permit to be used a taximeter that the council has not sealed.

(d) The proprietor shall not permit the taximeter to be fitted with a second tariff unless second tariff is brought into force without driver operation.

(e) The proprietor shall cause the taximeter to be fitted with key to bring the machinery into action and cause the word 'HIRED' to appear on the face of the meter as soon as the vehicle is on hire.

(f) The proprietor shall ensure that when the vehicle is not hired the key is to be locked and the machinery kept inactive and the meter must show no fare at the time.

(g) The proprietor shall ensure that the meter shall not display a 'FOR HIRE' sign at any time.

(h) The proprietor shall ensure that when the taximeter is brought into action the fare and permitted extras will be shown legibly on the face of the meter and shall be no more than permitted by the approved tariff.

(i) The proprietor shall ensure the 'FARE' shall be printed on the face of the meter in clear letters so as to apply the fare recorded thereon.

(j) The proprietor shall ensure that the taximeter is in such a position in the licensed hire car that the figures thereon are clearly visible to any passenger being carried therin.

(k) The proprietor shall ensure that the taximeter is sufficiently illuminated that when in use it is visible to all passengers.

(l) The proprietor shall ensure that the taximeter and all its fittings are affixed to the licensed hire car with seals or by other means so that it shall not be practicable for any person to tamper with the meter except by breaking or damaging or permanently displacing the seals and other fittings.

h&e706 version 21 - 24 - (m) The proprietor undertakes to ensure that the taximeter will not be replaced without prior permission of the Council.

17. The proprietor shall ensure that a copy of the fare table, in a form approved by the council from time to time, is exhibited inside the licensed hire car at all times.

18. The proprietor shall ensure that the fare table is not concealed from view or rendered illegible while the vehicle is being used for hire.

19. The proprietor shall retain the licence of all drivers driving his vehicle and produce the same to an authorised officer or constable on request.

20. Section 49(1) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 accommodates a transfer of a licensed hire car licence provided that notice is given to the Council within 14 days. This Council requires that any such transfer is completed at the Taxi Licensing Office, where both parties must be present to sign the transfer form. The Licensing staff will witness the transaction and supply copies of the transfer documents to both parties.

21. The proprietor shall ensure that no radio equipment is fitted to any of his licensed hire cars without prior written consent of the Council except where that radio equipment will allow the driver to communicate with an operator.

22. The proprietor shall ensure that any radio equipment fitted to the licensed hire car is at all times kept in a safe and sound condition and maintained in proper working order.

23. The proprietor of a licensed hire car shall immediately disclose to the Council in writing details of any conviction and details of any adult caution recorded against him by the police during the currency of his licensed hire car licence.

24. The proprietor of the licensed hire car shall keep in force in relation to the user of that vehicle a Policy of Insurance issued by an approved Insurance Company on a Comprehensive Basis and comply with the requirements of Part IV of the Road Traffic Act 1972.

25. A licence in respect of which the licence fee has been paid by cheque shall not be effective until the cheque has been cleared.

26. The licence holder will attend the Licensing Environment and Safety Committee following any conviction in respect of a criminal offence.

h&e706 version 21 - 25 - APPENDIX 5 – Hackney Carriage Driver Conditions and Bye-laws relating to Hackney Carriage Vehicles

CONDITIONS FOR LICENSED HACKNEY CARRIAGE/TAXI DRIVERS

1. In this Licence ‘authorised officer’ has the same meaning as in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976

‘the Council’ means the Council of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport.

‘taxi’ has the same meaning as in the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 as amended.

‘identification plate’ means the plate issued by the Council for the purpose of identifying the vehicle as a taxi.

‘the Proprietor’ has the same meaning as in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

‘taximeter’ has the same meaning as in Section 80 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976

2. The identification plate when issued by the Council must be affixed to the exterior of the taxi at the rear of the taxi by the proprietor in accordance with the reasonable instructions of the authorised officer of the Council at the cost of the proprietor.

3. The proprietor of the taxi shall ensure the identification plate is maintained and kept in such condition that the information contained on the identification plate is clearly visible to the public view at all times.

4. The identification plate shall be securely fixed to the vehicle in accordance with the instructions of the authorised officer but in such a manner as to be easily removed by any authorised officer of the Council or a Constable.

5. The proprietor of the taxi shall cause the number of the taxi licence granted by the Council in respect of the taxi to be clearly marked and maintained inside the vehicle in such a position as to be clearly visible at all times to persons being conveyed in the carriage.

6. The proprietor shall ensure that the taxi shall be maintained in a sound mechanical and structural condition at all times and be capable of satisfying the Council’s mechanical and structural inspection at all times during the continuance of the vehicle licence in respect of the vehicle.

7. The interior and exterior of the taxi shall be kept in a clean condition and maintained in a safe condition by the proprietor.

8. The proprietor shall not allow the mechanical and structural specification of the taxi to be varied without the written consent of the Council and the vehicle shall at all times be as the manufacturer’s specification.

h&e706 version 21 - 26 - 9. The proprietor of the taxi shall:

a) provide sufficient means by which any person in the carriage may communicate with the driver during the course of the hiring b) cause the interior of the vehicle to be kept wind and water tight. c) provide any necessary windows and means of opening and closing with not less than one window on each side of the passenger compartment d) cause the seats in the passenger compartment to be properly cushioned and covered. e) cause the floor of the passenger compartment to be provided with a proper carpet, mat or other suitable covering. f) cause fitting and furniture of the carriage to be kept in a clean condition and well maintained and in every way fit and safe for public use. g) provide facilities for the conveyance of luggage safely and protected from inclement weather. h) provide and maintain to the satisfaction of the authorised officer an efficient fire extinguisher. i) provide at least two doors for use of persons conveyed in such carriage and a separate means of ingress and egress for the driver. j) Provide and maintain a first aid kit containing the following first aid dressings and appliances:

1 First Aid Guidance Leaflet 3 medium size sterile wound dressings No 8 1 large size sterile wound dressing No 9 1 extra large sterile wound dressing No 3 20 assorted sterile adhesive dressings (plasters) 2 triangular bandages 95cm x 134cm 6 safety pins (assorted) 1 pair scissors (blunt ends) 10 alcohol free moist wipes

All materials for dressing and bandages, including cotton wool, shall be those designated in and of a grade or quality not lower than the standards prescribed by the current British Pharmaceutical Code, and all instruments and appliances shall be of a reliable quality and suitable design and construction and shall be carried in such a position in the taxi as to be readily available for use and be prominently marked and the said dressings and appliances shall at all times be maintained in good condition and available for inspection by an authorised officer of the Council from time to time.

10. Any damage to a taxi materially affecting the safety performance or appearance of the vehicle shall be reported by the proprietor to the Council in accordance with Section 50 (3) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.

11. The proprietor shall not cause or permit any sign, notice or advertisement to be displayed in, on or from the taxi unless such sign, notice or advertisement has been approved in writing by the Council.

h&e706 version 21 - 27 - 12. The proprietor shall cause to be affixed and maintained in a conspicuous position in or on the vehicle in accordance with the directions of the Council any sign or notices required from time to time by the Council and shall retain in the vehicle the map issued to him in connection with the Greater Manchester Act 1981, Section 166.

13. The Proprietor shall not permit the taxi to be used to carry a greater number of passengers than the number prescribed in the licence and two children under the age of ten shall be counted as one person.

14. The proprietor shall not permit any person other than the driver to ride in the front of the vehicle and animals in no circumstances must be carried therein. Persons are permitted to ride in the front of a Ford Granada or a Volvo 244 providing the seat belt is worn.

15. The proprietor shall cause the taxi to be fitted with a taximeter of a type and make approved by the Council before plying for hire and for it to be located within the vehicle in accordance with reasonable instructions of the authorised officer.

16. The proprietor shall cause the taximeter to be maintained in a sound mechanical condition at all times.

17. The proprietor shall cause the taximeter to be set to display the fare table adopted by the Council from time to time.

18. The proprietor shall not use or permit to be used a taximeter that the Council has not sealed to prevent unauthorised adjustment of taximeter.

19. The proprietor shall not permit the taximeter to be fitted with an automatic second tariff unless second tariff is brought into force without driver operation.

20. The proprietor shall cause the taximeter to be fitted with a key to bring the machinery into action and cause the word “HIRED” to appear on the face of the meter as soon as the vehicle is hired.

21. The proprietor shall ensure that when the vehicle is “FOR HIRE” the key is to be locked and machinery kept inactive and the meter must show no fare at all times.

22. The proprietor shall ensure the “FOR HIRE” sign on the roof of the vehicle or other illuminated sign is extinguished when the fare commences and the taximeter is brought into operation.

23. The proprietor shall ensure that when the taximeter is brought into operation that fare and permitted extras will be shown legibly on the face of the meter and shall be no more than permitted by the approved tariff.

24. The proprietor shall ensure the “FARE” shall be printed on the face of the meter in clear letters so as to apply the fare recorded thereon.

h&e706 version 21 - 28 - 25. The proprietor shall ensure that the taximeter is in such a position in the carriage that the figures recorded thereon are clearly visible to any passenger being carried therein.

26. The proprietor shall ensure that the taximeter is sufficiently illuminated that when in use it is visible to all passengers.

27. The proprietor shall ensure that the taximeter and all its fittings are affixed to the carriage with seals or by other means so that it shall not be practicable for any person to tamper with the meter except by breaking or damaging or permanently displacing the seals and other fittings.

28. The proprietor undertakes to ensure that the taximeter will not be replaced without prior permission of the Council.

29. The proprietor shall ensure that a copy of the fare table supplied by the Council from time to time is exhibited inside the carriage at all times.

30. The proprietor shall ensure that the fare table is not concealed from view or rendered illegible while the vehicle is plying for hire.

31. The proprietor shall retain the licence of all drivers driving his vehicle and produce the same to an authorised officer or Constable on request.

32. The proprietor shall ensure that no radio equipment is fitted to any of his taxis without the prior written consent of the Council except where that radio equipment will allow the driver to communicate with an operator.

33. The proprietor shall ensure that any radio equipment fitted to his taxi is at all times kept in a safe and sound condition and maintained in proper working order.

34. The proprietor of a taxi shall immediately disclose to the Council in writing details of any convictions and details of any adult cautions by the Police imposed on him during the currency of his licence.

35. The licence holder will attend the Licensing Environment & Safety Committee following any conviction in respect of a criminal offence.

36. A licence in respect of which the licence fee has been paid by cheque shall not be effective until the cheque has been cleared.

h&e706 version 21 - 29 - METROPOLITAN BOROUGH OF STOCKPORT BYE-LAWS

Made under Section 68 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and Section 171 of the Public Health Act 1875, by the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport with respect to

HACKNEY CARRIAGES in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport

Interpretation:

1. Throughout these bye-laws “The Council” means the METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL OF STOCKPORT “The District” means the area of the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport.

Provisions regulating the manner in which the number of the hackney carriage corresponding with the number of its licence shall be displayed:

2. (a) the proprietor of a hackney carriage shall cause the number of licence granted to him in respect of the carriage to be legibly painted or marked on the outside and inside of the carriage or on the plates affixed thereto. (b) A proprietor or driver of a hackney carriage shall:

i) Not wilfully or negligently cause or suffer any such number to be concealed from public view whilst the carriage is standing or plying for hire. ii) Not cause or permit the carriage to stand or ply for hire with any such paintings, marking or plate so defaced that any figure or material particular is illegible.

Provisions regulating how Hackney Carriages are to be furnished or provided:

3. The proprietor of a Hackney Carriage shall: a) provide sufficient means by which any person in the carriage may communicate with the driver; b) cause the roof or covering to be kept water tight; c) provide any necessary windows and a means of opening and closing not less than one window on each side; d) cause the seals to be properly cushioned and covered; e) cause the floor to be provided with a proper carpet, mat or other suitable covering; f) cause the fittings and furniture generally to be kept in a clean condition, well maintained and in every way fit for public service; g) provide means for securing luggage if the carriage is so constructed as to carry luggage; h) provide an efficient fire extinguisher which shall be carried in such a position as to be readily available for use; i) provide at least two doors for the use of persons conveyed in such carriage and a separate means of ingress and egress for the driver; j) provide adequate first aid material which shall be carried in such a position as to be readily available for use.

h&e706 version 21 - 30 - 4. The proprietor of a Hackney carriage shall cause any taximeter with which the carriage is provided to be so constructed, attached and maintained as to comply with the following requirements, that is to say: a) the taximeter shall be fitted with a key, flag or other device the turning of which will bring the machinery of the taximeter into action and cause the word “HIRED” to appear on the face of the taximeter b) such key, flag or other device shall be capable of being locked in such a position that the machinery of the taximeter if not in action and that no fare is recorded on the face of the taximeter; c) when the machinery of the taximeter is in action, there shall be recorded on the face of the taximeter in clearly legible figures a fare, not exceeding the rate of fare which the proprietor or driver is entitled to demand for the hire of the carriage by distance in pursuance of the bye-law in that behalf; d) the word FARE shall be printed on the face of the taximeter in plain letters so as clearly to apply to the fare recorded thereon; e) the taximeter shall be so placed that all letters and figures on the face thereof are at all times plainly visible to any person being conveyed in the carriage and for that purpose the letters and figures shall be capable of being suitable illuminated during any period of hiring; f) the taximeter and all the fittings thereof shall be so affixed to the carriage with seals or other appliances that it shall not be practicable for any person to tamper with them except by breaking, damaging or permanently displacing the seals or other appliances;

Provisions regulating the conduct of the proprietors and drivers of Hackney carriages plying for hire within the district in the several employments and determining whether such drivers shall wear any and what badges:

5. The driver of a Hackney carriage provided with a taximeter shall: a) when standing or plying for hire, keep the key, flag or other device fitted in pursuance of the bye-law in that behalf locked in the position in which no fare is recorded on the face of the taximeter; b) As soon as the carriage if hired by distance and before beginning the journey, bring the machinery of the taximeter into action by moving the said key, flag or other device so that the word HIRED is legible on the face of the taximeter and keep the machinery of the taximeter in action until the termination of the hiring; c) Cause the dial of the taximeter to be kept properly illuminated throughout any part of the hiring which is during the hours of darkness as defined for the purposes of the Road Traffic Act 1972 and also at any other time at the request of the hirer.

6. A proprietor or driver of a Hackney carriage shall not tamper with, or permit any person to tamper with any taximeter with which the carriage is provided, with the fittings thereof, or with the seals affixed thereto.

7. The driver of a Hackney carriage shall, when plying for hire in any street and not actually hired: a) proceed with reasonable speed to one of the stands fixed by the bye-law in that behalf;

h&e706 version 21 - 31 - b) if a stand at the time of his arrival is occupied by the full number of carriages authorised to occupy it, proceed to another stand; c) on arriving at a stand, not already occupied by the full number of carriages authorised to occupy it, station the carriage immediately behind the carriage or carriages on the stand and so as to face in the same direction; d) from time to time when any other carriage immediately in front is driven off or moved forward, cause his carriage to be moved forward so as to fill the place previously occupied by the carriage driven off or moved forward.

8. A proprietor or driver of a Hackney carriage when standing or plying for hire shall not by calling out or otherwise, importune any person to hire such carriage and shall not make use of the services of any other person for the purpose.

9. The driver of a Hackney carriage shall behave in a civil and orderly manner and shall take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of persons conveyed in or entering or alighting from the vehicle.

10. The proprietor or driver of a Hackney carriage who has agreed or who has been hired to be in attendance with the carriage at an appointed time and place, shall unless delayed or prevented by some sufficient cause, punctually attend with such carriage at such appointed time and place.

11. The driver of a Hackney carriage when hired to drive to any particular destination shall, subject to any directions given by the hirer, proceed to that destination by the shortest available route.

12. A proprietor or driver of a Hackney carriage shall not convey or permit to be conveyed in such carriage any greater number of persons than the number of persons specified on the plate affixed to the outside of the carriage.

13. If a badge has been provided by the Council and delivered to the driver of a Hackney carriage, either with the licence granted to him by the Council, or afterwards, he shall when standing or plying for hire and when hired, wear that badge in such a position and manner as to be plainly visible.

14. The driver of a Hackney carriage so constructed as to carry luggage shall when requested by any person hiring or seeking to hire the carriage: a) convey a reasonable quantity of luggage b) afford reasonable assistance in loading and unloading c) afford reasonable assistance in removing it to or from the entrance of any building, station or place at which he may take up or set down such person.

15. The driver of a Hackney carriage who is standing, plying or driving for hire shall at any time when required by an Officer of the Council or any Police Constable, or any person who is in or upon the carriage, produce a copy of these bye-laws, clean and in good order for perusal and inspection by that Officer, Constable or person.

h&e706 version 21 - 32 - 16. Each of the several places specified in the following list shall be a stand for such a number of Hackney carriages as is specified in the list. Chestergate. Stockport south side from it’s junction with Mersey Square to a point 115 metres in an easterly direction. Space for 23 taxis Princes Street, Stockport North west side from a point 40 feet in a southwesterly direction from the southwesterly kerbline of Brown Street extending in a southwesterly direction for 15 metres. Space for 3 taxis St Petersgate, Stockport North side of St Petersgate from a point 45 feet in an easterly direction from the easterly kerbline to the entrance road to the North West Water Authority’s premises, extending in an easterly direction for a distance of 10 metres (Between 18.30 and 24.00 hours only). Space for 2 taxis. Tiviot Dale, Stockport East side from its junction with Bridge Street and Percy Street for 27 metres in a northerly direction. Space for 5 taxis Castle Street, Edgeley North side from a point 12 metres west of its junction with York Street for a distance of 12 metres. Space for 2 taxis. Castle Street, Edgeley North side from a point 5 metres east of the westerly kerbline of Worral Street, for a distance of 12 metres. Space for 2 taxis. Grand Central Way, Stockport on the westerly side from a point 73 metres from its junction with Railway Road for a distance of 20 metres. Space for 4 taxis. Grand Central Way, Stockport Storage rank on the easterly side 12 metres from the junction with Railway Road for a distance of 20 metres. Space for 4 taxis. (Between 0900 to 0330) Railway Road, Stockport On the north side, from a point 10 metres east of its junction with Grand Central Way for 45 metres in an easterly direction, Space for 9 taxis. (Between 2330 and 0330)

Provisions fixing the rates or fares to be paid for Hackney Carriages within the District and securing the due publication of such fares:

17. The proprietor or driver of a Hackney carriage shall be entitled to demand and take for the hire of the carriage the rate or fare prescribed by the Council. The rate or fare being calculated by the distance unless the hirer expresses at the commencement of the hiring his desire to engage him by time. Provided always that where a Hackney carriage furnished with a taximeter shall be hired by distance, the proprietor or driver thereof shall not be entitled to demand and take a fare greater than that recorded on the face of the taximeter, save for any extra charges authorised by the fare table, which it may not be possible to record on the face of the taximeter, including the extra charge for hirings begun between midnight and 06.00am which shall be specified in the Council’s statement exhibited inside the carriage.

18. a) The proprietor of a Hackney carriage shall cause a statement of the fares fixed by the Council from time to time in that behalf to be exhibited inside the carriage, in clearly distinguishable letters and figures. b) The proprietor or driver of a Hackney carriage bearing a statement of fares in accordance with these bye-laws shall not willingly or negligently cause or suffer the letters or figures in the statement to be concealed or rendered illegible at any time while the carriage is plying or being used for hire.

h&e706 version 21 - 33 - Provisions securing the safe custody and re-delivery of any property accidentally left in a Hackney carriage and fixing the charges to be made in respect thereof:

19 The proprietor or driver of a Hackney carriage shall immediately after the termination of any hiring or as soon as practicable thereafter, carefully search the carriage for any property which may have been accidentally left therein.

20 The proprietor or driver of a Hackney carriage shall is any property, accidentally left therein by any person who may have been conveyed in the carriage, be found or handed to him: a) carry it as soon as possible and in any event within 48 hours if not sooner claimed by or on behalf of its owner to a Police Station in the Metropolitan Borough and leave it in the custody of the Officer in charge at the office on his giving a receipt for it. b) Be entitled to receive from any person to whom the property shall be re- delivered an amount equal to five pence in the pound of its estimated value (or the fare for the distance from the place of finding to the Office of the Council whichever be the greater) but not more than five pounds.

Penalties:

21. Every person who shall offend against any of these bye-laws shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds and in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine, not exceeding five pounds for each day during which the offence continues after conviction thereof.

Repeal of Bye-laws:

22. The following bye-laws are hereby repealed:

Date Bye-Law Made By Whom Made Date Confirmed

30 May 1975 Stockport MBC 25 July 1975 for the former urban by One of the Her districts of Hazel Grove, Majesty’s Principal Bramhall, Cheadle & Secretaries of State Gatley, Bredbury & Romiley

7 July 1965 Stockport County 11 November 1965 Borough Council by the above

11 December 1972 Marple Urban 24 October 1973 District Council by the above

10 November 1970 Stockport County 18 January 1971 Borough Council by the above

7 January 1969 Stockport County 28 February 1969 Borough Council by the above

h&e706 version 21 - 34 - Given under the COMMON SEAL of THE METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL OF STOCKPORT This 23 February 1976

The Secretary of State confirmed the foregoing Bye-laws and fixed the date under which the Bye-laws are to come into operation as 2 April 1976

h&e706 version 21 - 35 -