Vehicle licensing update
NCMA recently reported that changes to legislation in England
mean that from January 2008 if childminders take children to and
from school or groups by car as part of their childminding business
and carry up to nine passengers they may now be subject to private
hire vehicle (PHV) licensing requirements. See news item (1/10/2009)
NCMA advised childminders to contact their local authority
Licensing Department to see how they are interpreting the change in
the legislation and if there is a requirement to obtain a PHV
license.
Once they have found out whether they are required to obtain a
PHV licence, childminders should then also contact their insurance
provider to verify that the correct details are recorded on the
insurance certificate.
As local authorities may interpret the legislation differently
it is important to confirm the position with the insurer and that
it is correctly recorded.
Please note, this new advice does not apply to childminders
registered with MotorMinder. MotorMinder insured childminders do
not need to speak with the insurer after contacting the local
authority. Further details about MotorMinder are available
here.
Source NCMA Press Office,
23/11/2009