National register of taxi licence refusals and revocations
The new national register (NR3)
Why has the register been set up?
The Local Government Association (LGA), the representative body for local councils, has commissioned a new national register of taxi licence refusals and revocations (NR3). The register will be hosted by the National Anti-Fraud Network (NAFN). The intention is to prevent drivers who have had a hackney carriage or private hire licence revoked or an application for one refused, going to another council to dishonestly obtain a licence by failing to disclose their previous licensing history. It is hoped that use of the register will improve public safety and confidence in hackney carriage and private hire licensing.
How will the register work – what information will be recorded?
When a council revokes a licence, or refuses an application for one, it will record this information on the National register (NR3). The information recorded will be limited to:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address and contact details
- National insurance number
- Driving licence number
- Decision taken
- Date of decision
- Date decision effective
Licensing authorities (local councils) will then search the register when they are processing new applications or renewals. Where they find a match for their applicant on NR3, they will contact the licensing authority that recorded the entry to get more information, which, if shared, will then be used to help reach a decision on the application.
Will I automatically be refused a licence if I am on the register?
Licensing authorities are legally required to consider each licence application on its own merits and cannot refuse an application simply because an applicant may be recorded on NR3. The purpose of NR3 is to ensure that licensing authorities have the full information necessary to help them reach a decision on whether an individual is fit and proper. If circumstances have materially changed since the decision that has been recorded on NR3, it may be appropriate for another licensing authority to award a licence.
What if my licence is suspended?
Suspensions of licences will not be recorded on NR3. This is because suspension should be used as either a short-term punishment or to overcome a short-term situation (such as driving or medical issues). Where a driver is no longer considered to be a fit and proper person to hold a licence, the licence should be revoked.
Can I find out if my details are on the NR3?
Individuals whose details are added to NR3 will be notified of this when they are advised of the decision to refuse or revoke a licence.
Outside of these times, an individual can make a subject access request (SAR) for any of their personal data held on NR3. The ‘data controller’ in respect of this data is Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council as the licensing authority, to whom a SAR should be submitted in the first instance. The National Anti-Fraud Network as the data processor (the organisation storing the data), will fulfil this request.
More information on data protection
How long will details be held on NR3 for?
Data will be retained on the register for 25 years.
Last updated: 31/05/2022 15:23
