Test Valley Borough Council – Taxi Driver Code of Conduct
The Council currently attaches conditions to a taxi driver’s licence. Although the legislation allows conditions to be attached to a private hire driver’s licence, they cannot be attached to a Hackney Carriage drivers licence. As it issues dual licences, the Council is proposing adoption of a Code of Conduct for Taxi Drivers which applies to both Hackney Carriage and private hire activity.
During previous consultation on the adoption of a new taxi licensing policy, 91% of those that responded answered yes to the question ‘should the Council introduce a driver code of conduct which would make clear the standards and behaviours expected of drivers?’. This Code is not a condition; it is a standard of behaviour which the Council expects drivers to maintain. Any failure to comply with the Code will lead to the Council questioning whether a driver remains a safe and suitable person to drive a Hackney Carriage or private hire vehicle.
Test Valley Borough Council would be grateful for the input of both drivers and their customers on the following questions.