The Wolverhampton Council has approved new conditions for private hire vehicle drivers, set to take effect from 10 July 2024. Here are the key changes coming into force from 1 August 2024:
1. **Operator Door Signage**:
– All current private hire vehicle door operator signage approvals will be withdrawn.
– Drivers must remove any existing operator door signage.
– Operators must submit new, non-magnetic A4-sized signage for the rear of the vehicle.
– Only drivers in an exclusive relationship with an operator may display the new signage.
2. **Licence Conditions**:
– The internal licence plate condition (Condition 4.1) will no longer be enforced. This plate, which details the vehicle’s licence number and passenger capacity, can be removed from 1 August 2024.
3. **Driver Licence Conditions**:
– Several conditions on private hire driver licences will no longer be enforced:
– Condition 1.3 (notifying Licensing Services before starting with a new operator).
– Condition 1.4 (changing operators more than once within 48 hours).
– Condition 1.7 (receiving bookings only from the notified operator).
– Drivers can now partner with multiple operators without notifying Licensing Services, except for proprietors of wheelchair accessible vehicles who must still notify the Licensing Services of their primary operator.
4. **DBS Certificates**:
– Licensing Services must see all new DBS certificates in person or via post.
5. **Assistance Dogs**:
– Assistance dogs are defined as certified working service dogs, not pets, with specific identification requirements.
6. **Licence Renewal Conditions**:
– A new training programme for renewing drivers will be required once developed.
– All licence applicants must provide a Certificate of Good Character/Conduct if they have been outside the UK for more than three months continuously since turning 18.
– Drivers must complete a daily walkaround check of their vehicle using the online tool provided by the council.
– Drivers must notify Licensing Services of any new licences with other authorities or if their licences are reviewed, suspended, or revoked.
Drivers are advised to read the new conditions carefully when renewing their licences, as they will differ from current conditions. For more details, visit the Wolverhampton Council’s official website.