Licensing Section - Introduction of a Private Hire Operator Award Scheme

Overview

The Council would like to consult with you on the introduction of a new Private Hire Operator Award Scheme for licensed Operators.

The Council’s key responsibility under the licensing legislation has always been, and more significantly after the lessons learned in relation to post Child Sexual Exploitation matters, to ensure that only fit and proper persons become and remain as licensed Private Hire Operators. This is to ensure the safety of those using the Private Hire Operator services and the public in general. Public safety is of paramount importance.

The Awards Scheme is designed to promote the Private Hire trade within the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale and ensure that their high quality service is recognised by members of the public by the affixing of a grade/award (Gold, Silver or Bronze) on the Private Hire vehicles and the Private Hire Operator bases.

The Awards Scheme aims to recognise the professionalism of the Private Hire trade and reward Operators for the successful operation of their business  by taking into account the implementation of policies and practices etc. they may have in place.

The assessment of the grade awarded to each Operator will be a series of indicators which will be assessed by an Officer in conjunction with the Operator. If none or very few of the indicators are met, the Operator will not receive a Grade/Award and will be issued with an Improvement Notice.

Assessment will take place within a defined timescale, but could be reviewed at any time by either the Council or upon the request of the Operator, if he/she thinks they can achieve a higher award/grade.

Once the criteria have been assessed by an Officer, a decision will be made on the grade to be awarded by the Licensing Manager. If a Private Hire Operator is aggrieved by the grade awarded, he/she may lodge a written appeal within 7 days which will result in an appearance before the Licensing Panel for the decision to be re-considered.

A certificate would then be forwarded to the Private Hire Operator who must then inform the owners/drivers of the Private Hire vehicles as to what grade/award (if any) to attach on the vehicles.

The Awards Scheme intends to improve the level of compliance and intends to help improve the standards and safety of the travelling members of the public, safeguarding their welfare and interests.

The Council may from time to time publish the grades which have been awarded to all the Operators for members of the public to view.

All the relevant documents are available to download below.

If you want to make comments or provide us your views on this proposal, please do so in writing by midnight on 26th January 2014.