New look for taxis and private hire vehicles

Published by webmaster for Chesterfield Borough Council in Communities

Taxis and private hire vehicles in Chesterfield have a new look, as part of a bid to make them easier and safer for the public to use.

One of the main changes of revised vehicle licence conditions which came into force this month for hackney carriages and private hire vehicles is the introduction of new identifying signs.

In future, vehicles will have to display the following signage:

A licence plate on the rear and front of the vehicle.  Previously, vehicles only had to display a licence plate at the rear.  The new plates incorporate Chesterfield Borough Council’s logo and are more distinctive.

Self adhesive side signs on the rear doors that describe whether the vehicle is a hackney carriage or a private hire vehicle and state its licence plate number.  In the case of private hire vehicles, the side sign reminds members of the public that they must book the vehicle in advance and are not allowed to hail one on the street.

Self adhesive signs on the front doors that give the name and telephone number of the operator of the vehicle.

A Council spokeswoman said: "The aim of the new signage is to allow the public to more easily recognise a vehicle that is licensed by the Council. 

"Over the next six months all vehicles will be issued with the new signage as their vehicle licences are renewed."

Ends

Press release issued: October 31 2006