URL: https://democracy.crawley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=881

Decision Maker: Head of Community Services

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The primary purpose of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing regime is public safety. As part of the vehicle licensing process, a series of standards are required, and an exemption is in place from what was known as the Vehicle Inspectorate since 2001 which allowed Crawley Borough Council licensed vehicles to be exempted from the usual vehicle MOT due to the Council’s Certificate of Compliance (COC) testing process. In reality, licensed vehicles opt to have both a Certificate of Compliance (COC) and an MOT to counter ANPR systems alerting as well as other regulatory checks. The Councils COC process is rigorous in testing the roadworthiness of licensed vehicles in the same way as an MOT as well as other tests to ensure compliance with the Councils Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, and licence conditions. COC testing is required annually in the case of vehicles under 4 years old, and every 6 months over the age of 4 years. The function of conducting COC tests is carried out by Council Nominated Garages, who undergo assessment and regular checks to ensure that they can carry out the tests to the required standard, are a registered MOT garage, relevant safeguards and staff are appropriately trained. The Contract for this service, from which the Council derives no financial benefit or income but monitors the activates of these Nominated Garages to ensure that they are fulfilling their responsibilities on behalf of the Council in ensuring that licensed vehicles meet the required standards and public safety remains at the forefront of the licensing and regulatory regime. The Nominated Garages are required to enter into a tender process and abide by procurement processes and enter into a goods and services contract to deliver COC testing and reporting requirements. The current contract is scheduled to expire on 31st March 2026, and a full procurement process has been completed and the successful businesses appointed in accordance with Council procurement and contract processes. These settings have experience of providing the required service and have been appointed for a 5 year term.

Content:

Date of Decision: March 27, 2026