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The Environmental Health Section endeavours to ensure the safety and well being of residents & visitors when using Hackney Taxi's and Private Hire vehicles that have been licensed in the Mid Sussex area.

The vehicles and drivers are subject to very stringent tests and conditions, enforced by the Licensing Team, before they are able to obtain a licence that enables them to offer a service to the public.

The Team also undertake spot checks throughout the district, often in conjunction with the Police & Vehicle Inspectorate, to ensure your safety whilst travelling in a Hackney Taxi/Private Hire vehicle licensed by Mid Sussex.

Hackney Carriages may pick up passengers from any of the authorised Taxi Ranks in the district, or if hailed in the street. They may also pick up passengers who have made an advance booking. 

Private Hire Vehicles can only pick up passengers who have made an advance booking through a Licensed Private Hire Operator.

What to look for in Hackney Taxi or Private Hire vehicles.

  • At airports, night clubs, theatres and other busy events you may find drivers posing as taxi drivers.
  • Hackney Taxis you can hail in the street.
  • Private Hire vehicles MUST be pre booked.
  • Both must  be licensed by the local authority and have been subject to a criminal records check, medical and have the appropriate insurance.
  • The vehicle will also be subjected to more rigorous MOT checks than normal cars.
  • Hackney Taxi and Private Hire vehicles will have a plate on the rear of the car. This will show the type of vehicle, the number of passengers allowed and the Licence number and expiry date. 
  • The driver should also be wearing a badge with a photo on it together with their badge number.
  • NO BADGE OR PLATE = NO RIDE

Thinking of applying to become a Hackney Taxi/Private Hire vehicle Driver?
See under Downloads/Links for information and application forms.

These are also available at our helpoints at Burgess Hill Town Council, Church Walk and East Grinstead Library, West Street.

Complaints 

Should you have any complaints with regard to the conduct or behaviour of any Hackney Carriage Driver or Private Hire Driver licensed by Mid Sussex District Council or have any concerns about the condition of any Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle or Private Hire Operator you should contact the Licensing Team at the Council in writing:

Taxi Licensing Officer
Environmental Health 
Mid Sussex District Council      
Oaklands Road         
Haywards Heath
West Sussex
RH16 1SS

Or email: taxilicensing@midsussex.gov.uk 

Please set out your complaint, including the date and time of the incident, the drivers name or identity badge licence number and the vehicle registration number or licence plate number.

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