By joining this WhatsApp group, you agree to follow the rules below. These policies are designed to keep the group useful, professional, and relevant for all members.

1. Purpose of the Group

This group is for Oxford private hire drivers to share important industry updates, licensing information, traffic alerts, road closures, driver support, and other relevant professional information.

2. Language

• All messages must be in English.

• Posts in other languages may be removed without notice.

3. Political & Religious Content

• Political posts, discussions, campaigns, or opinions are not allowed.

• Religious posts, reminders, invitations, debates, or messages are not allowed.

• This is not a political or religious group.

• Any such content may be removed without explanation.

4. Community Posts

• Community announcements, fundraising, charity appeals, events, or public notices require prior admin approval.

• Unapproved posts may be removed.

5. Advertising

• Drivers who own their own private hire, chauffeur, or taxi-related business may advertise their services occasionally.

• Repeated or daily advertising is not permitted.

• Advertising businesses that you do not own or represent is not allowed.

• Admins may remove excessive promotional posts.

6. Funeral & Death Announcements

• Death or funeral announcements should only relate to:

  • Current or former private hire drivers, or

  • Immediate family members directly connected to a driver.

• Members are encouraged to react using WhatsApp emojis instead of sending individual condolence messages to keep the chat clear.

7. Vehicle Sales & Advertisements

• If you are selling a vehicle, you must include the registration number, current mileage, and asking price in the advert.

• If the vehicle is or has been licensed/plated, you must clearly state which council issued the licence/plate.

• Misleading or incomplete vehicle sale advertisements may be removed.

8. Uber & App Screenshots

• Screenshots from Uber or other booking platforms are permitted only when they provide useful information or raise an important issue.

• Excessive posting of screenshots is not allowed.

• Screenshots should include a brief explanation.

9. Photos & Privacy

• Photos showing identifiable drivers are not permitted without their consent.

• Vehicle photos are allowed only if at least half of the registration number is blurred or hidden.

• Do not share personal information belonging to other drivers or customers.

10. Respectful Behaviour

• Abusive, offensive, threatening, discriminatory, or insulting language will not be tolerated.

• Personal attacks, arguments, or harassment are prohibited.

11. Licensing Responsibility

• If you accept work through another operator, it is your responsibility to ensure they hold a valid Private Hire Operator Licence.

• It is also your responsibility to ensure your driver licence is legally compatible with the operator you are working for.

• For example, if you hold an Oxford City Council driver badge and accept work directly from an operator licensed by another authority, you may not be legally covered unless the booking is made through a lawful arrangement (such as an approved sister company or another legally compliant structure).

• Always check the current licensing rules before accepting work.

12. Council Guidance

• Drivers are responsible for keeping themselves up to date with their licensing authority's rules, conditions, and legal requirements.

• Information shared in this group should not be considered legal advice.

13. Chat Usage

• General chit-chat is not permitted.

• The group is intended for important and relevant information only.

• Social conversations may only be allowed during special occasions at the discretion of the admins.

• Disappearing messages may be enabled (currently 24 hours).

14. Feedback

• Suggestions, complaints, or recommendations should be submitted using the feedback form on the group website rather than posted in the chat.

15. Admin Decisions

• Admins reserve the right to remove any post that is considered inappropriate, off-topic, misleading, or in breach of these rules.

• Posts may be removed without prior warning or explanation.

• Members who repeatedly ignore the rules may be muted or removed from the group.

16. Disclaimer

• Information shared in this group is for general guidance only.

• Members remain responsible for ensuring they comply with all applicable laws, licensing conditions, insurance requirements, and council regulations.

Thank you for helping keep the Oxford Private Hire Drivers WhatsApp Group professional, informative, and beneficial for everyone.