Dorset Council launches new Taxi Licensing Policy consultation

Officers at Dorset Council want to find out what people think about their proposed new Taxi Licensing Policy, which has been created to update and replace all the different licensing policies that were in place while Dorset’s Borough and District councils were in operation.

Dorset Council say the public stepping into a motor vehicle driven by a stranger must be able to trust that the driver is honest, competent, safe, and trustworthy, and that the car being used is suitable, safe, and well maintained.

The draft policy sets out how Dorset Council will manage applications, make decisions about who can drive and what vehicles will be licenced, what is expected from those that are licenced and how the Council will deal with complaints.

The policy will be used to assist officers, the Licensing Committee and Sub-Committees to make decisions that are fair, clear, and consistent.

The Council, as Licensing Authority, are aiming for a single policy to provide consistency across the Dorset Council-area. The draft has been prepared by officers after consideration of responses from several focus groups.

The consultation asks people about their personal use of taxis, how they feel about each section of the policy, what the impact might be if the policy is implemented and if they have any other comments on the proposals. The survey will be available for 12 weeks, ending 19 September 2021.

Cllr Emma Parker, chair of Dorset Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “Dorset’s taxi operators provide a vital service to this county’s residents and it’s important that we have a single policy in place to ensure that drivers are treated fairly and consistently and that the public are kept safe.

“Before Dorset Council was formed, each of our predecessor District and Borough Councils had their individual policies setting out how they would process hackney carriage and private hire matters. We’ve considered each of these policies when drafting the new Taxi Policy and any areas of good practice have been retained and developed.

“We would encourage any Dorset residents, organisations or businesses who use taxis, either once in a while or more frequently, to please take part in the consultation and let us know your views. Thank you for your support.”