Application for a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle

Hackney carriage vehicle

A hackney carriage vehicle (black cab) that is intended to be operated within the city of Salford requires to be licensed with the licensing section.

A hackney carriage vehicle is more commonly known as a black cab. These vehicles can be London-type taxis (of any colour but are predominately black) or purpose built hackney carriages, made by a number of manufacturers. These will be of a black colour with a permanent fixed illuminated taxi sign on the roof of the vehicle.  

A hackney carriage vehicle can be flagged down in the streets of Salford.

All hackney carriage vehicles licensed by the Salford City Council will display a yellow identification plate on the front and rear of the vehicle. Details on the plate are the vehicle number, expiry date, registration number, model of vehicle and the number of passengers it is licensed to carry.

Any person driving a hackney carriage vehicle must also be licensed as a hackney carriage driver with Salford City Council.

If you have a complaint or concern regarding a hackney carriage vehicle in Salford please contact the licensing section.

Private hire vehicle

Any person who wishes to operate a private hire vehicle within the city of Salford must be licensed with the licensing section.

A private hire vehicle must be pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator before a member of the public can use this vehicle for a journey. These vehicles cannot be flagged down in the street. Any member of the public that undertakes a journey by flagging down these vehicles will be doing so uninsured. The driver will also be committing an offence. Members of the public who wish to book a vehicle must do so through the private hire operator and not to the driver's own mobile phone.

To licence a vehicle as private hire an application must be made to the licensing office along with the fee of £94 for a six month licence. All vehicles must pass a certificate of compliance test before a plate is issued.

A private hire vehicle licensed by Salford City Council will display an identification plate on the front and rear of the vehicle. The details on the plate include private hire vehicle number, expiry date, make and colour of vehicle and the registration details.

The licensing section is responsible for enforcement and complaints concerning private hire vehicles. See Taxi Licensing Policy.

This page was last updated on 21 December 2010