Epsom & Ewell licensed Hackney Carriages can only be driven by persons in possession of a current Epsom and Ewell Hackney Carriage drivers licence. Epsom & Ewell private hire vehicles can only be driven by person in possession of either an Epsom & Ewell Hackney Carriage or Private hire drivers licence

Requirements 

Please see section 4 and Appendix D of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licencing policy available in the downloads section below for a complete list of requirements.

All Private Hire Vehicles which are being presented for first licensing may be no older than six years old from the date of application.  For older vehicles an exception may be made if the vehicle is considered by an authorising officer to be in an excellent condition.

All Hackney Carriage must be wheelchair accessible, and must be fitted with a taximeter that must be capable of complying with licence condition and registering a fare scale approved by the Council. Since December 2022 we no longer require hackney carriages to be 'purpose-built' taxis. 

ULEZ Emissions Requirements

The Council is phasing in a requirement that all licensed vehicles must meet an emissions standard the same as the Transport for London ('TFL') Ultra Low Emissions Standards ('ULEZ').

• From 1 July 2024 licences will only be granted to vehicles being licensed for the first time that meet the TFL Ultra Low Emission Zone requirements.
• From 1 January 2025 licences will not normally be renewed in respect of any licensed diesel vehicle that does not meet or exceed Euro 5 emission standards.
• From 1 July 2026, licences will only be granted to vehicles that meet the TFL Ultra Low Emission Zone requirements (Petrol: Euro 4 Diesel: Euro 6).

There are exemptions to these standards for vehicle that have been specially adapted post manufacture to carry wheelchair users.  TFL have an online 'Check Your Vehicle' webpage. Information on a vehicle's Euro emissions category is usually shown in the vehicle log book (V5). Vehicle emissions standard implementation guide is available in the downloads section.

Application process

A completed application form (available in the 'documents' section' below) should be e-mailed to licensing@epsom-ewell.gov.uk along with the following supporting documentation;-

• Insurance Certificate showing the nominated driver is insured to undertake public hire and private hire (Hackney Carriage) or private hire (Private Hire Vehicle)
• An MOT certificate which is no more than eight weeks old from the date of application (an exception is made for vehicles which have covered less than 2000 miles)
• Vehicle Registration Document (V5)
• LOLER certificate (where a lift is fitted for wheelchair access)
• A basic DBS certificate if the proprietor is not a licensed driver with the Council

Once these documents have been validated we will contact you to take card payment and make an appointment to have the vehicle inspected at the Town Hall.

Report an accident

Under section 50(3) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the vehicle conditions for both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle, the holder of the licence is required to inform the Council’s licensing team within 72 hours of any accident involving the licensed vehicle, and failure to do so is an offence. The vehicle’s licence holder or driver is required to use form provided in the Documents section beow to report the accident within 72 hours. Details must be accurate and complete. The completed form can be emailed to licensing@epsom-ewell.gov.uk