Licensing

Updates on our service due to Coronavirus

Tables and chairs on the public highway: The government has issued new Guidance in regard to Tables and Chairs or pavement license on the Highway. As a result of this change Uttlesford will now be charging £100 for any permit. This will be effective immediately for any new or renewal permit. Permits will however last until 30.09.21. Please see Icon for pdf our licence application form [325.63KB]. This should be completed and emailed to licensing@uttlesford.gov.uk

You can see current applications on our Applications made for tables and chairs on the public highway page.

Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services: The government has issued new guidance for people who work in or run restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes or takeaways.

New driver applications: From 00.01 hrs on Monday 29 June 2020 we will only accept full valid applications (containing all the documents) by email to licensing@uttlesford.gov.uk using the new Icon for pdf Driver Licence application for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles [302.13KB] forms that are on the private hire and hackney carriage pages. Postal applications will be returned to the sender.

Driver medicals: We have delayed the need for medicals for renewals from March by up to 6 months. A number of companies are now offering driver medical assessments and we have therefore decided that:

• August renewals - Drivers will need to submit a medical with their renewal to make it valid - reminder emails will be sent out
• Those drivers who required a medical from March, but were unable to have one taken at that time should now book an appointment and submit a medical using the Icon for pdf medical form [629.63KB] by Wednesday 30 September to licensing@uttlesford.gov.uk

Safety tips for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers and passengers: The Essex Residence Forum has put together a list of some things you can do to protect yourself and your passengers from coronavirus (COVID-19). And for passengers there are some similar safety tips. These are based on the latest government guidance on working safely in a vehicle.

Travelling and working in vehicles: the government has issued guidance for passengers and for people who work in or from vehicles.

Licensing: We are unable to carry out face to face interviews for drivers. Video conferencing software will be used for DBS and Right to Work checks. Please email copies of your specified documentation with your renewal or application.

Continued working of taxis and private hire vehicles: Read the Department for Transport guidance

New plates: We are now able to accept applications for new plates. New licensed vehicles must have a physical plate on it - not a paper plate. I'm grateful for 3 of my colleagues volunteering to attend our offices in Saffron Walden. They will only attend one at a time and when we have a specified number of plates to print - so they will not be in every day - so please do not send chasing emails or phone calls. When they are in we will contact operators on the day their plates will be produced to offer them the opportunity of collection on that only. This will unfortunately be no more than a couple of days a week. Unfortunately there will be no negotiation on the time or day of the week when the plates can be picked up.

Renewal plates: We continue to service these - plates can either be picked up with new plates or emailed to vehicle owner in a paper template format.

Vehicle renewals: We are able to process these; MOT and inspections remain in place. Please email all documentation to licensing@uttlesford.gov.uk Plates can either be picked up with new plates or emailed to vehicle owner in a paper template format.