Taxi and private hire policy

On Monday 24 February 2025, the Council voted to adopt the draft Taxi Policy.

The new policy introduces a number of changes and should be read and considered by all applicants and licence-holders.

You can download the Taxi Policy 2025 below.

Taxi Policy 2025 (PDF, 909 KB)

A summary of the Taxi Policy changes can be downloaded below. This key changes document highlight the changes from the previous policy.

Summary of Taxi Policy 2025 changes (PDF, 229 KB)

Summary of main Taxi Policy changes

Changes effective from 25 February 2025

All vehicles that are new to the fleet (not renewals) must be Euro 6 compliant (unless a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) or fully electric). All existing vehicles are unaffected.
A high visibility vest must always be kept in the licensed vehicle.
There is no longer a requirement to have a fire extinguisher in a licensed vehicle.
New Code of Conduct for all licensed drivers.
All applicants must register their enhanced DBS certificate with the DBS Update Service and maintain the subscription throughout the time they are licensed.
Licensed drivers must report (in writing) any police investigations to the authority within 48 hours of police contact and provide updates if required.
Minimum engine size removed from policy (other criteria must be met).
This Council will not licence or re-licence any vehicle that has been written off by an insurance company, regardless of the category of write-off.
Hackney carriage licences numbered 1-88, with grandfather rights, must remain licensed at all times. If a licence expires, the plate must be returned, the licence will lapse and may no longer be allocated to a vehicle.
New driver licence conditions.
New vehicle conditions.
New Private Hire Operator conditions.

Changes effective from 1 April 2025

Council approved self-adhesive identification private hire door signage (which will be supplied by the Council) must be attached to each of the rear passenger door panels of the vehicle. The signage will start to be introduced from 1 April 2025.

Private hire vehicle door signage from 1 April 2025

The Taxi and Private Hire Policy has been through a 3-month public consultation and all responses were taken into account by Elected Members and the Licensing Authority, as required by the Democratic process.

Members agreed on the implementation of door signage for private hire vehicles which will start from 1 April 2025.

Only those private hire vehicles granted a plate exemption, with work solely provided by contract clients are exempt from the requirement to display door signage.

Council supplied self-adhesive identification private hire door signage must be attached to all other private hire vehicles. These must be positioned on each of the rear passenger door panels.

Door signage details

The door signage includes the Council logo which clearly shows to the public that the vehicle is licensed by New Forest District Council.

The signage states the legal requirement for all journeys undertaken in that the vehicle is to be pre-booked only.

There is no requirement in our policy for the name of the private hire operator to be displayed on vehicles, however we understand that many do.

Door signage requirement dates

A pair of door stickers, fixing instructions and the approved wipe will be available at a cost of £10.00 from 1 April 2025. This will be in addition to the application fee.

All new licences issued from 1 April 2025 will require door signage stickers. The signage will be supplied when the licence is issued. Payment will be required when collecting the licence.

Existing licensed vehicles will require signage from their next renewal date. However you can buy and apply the door signage before the next renewal, should you wish.

Purchasing door signage

To purchase door signage for existing licensed vehicles, in advance of the next renewal date, you need to:

Email licensing@nfdc.gov.uk and in the subject line write "Door signage" and include your vehicle plate number, registration number, and your details.
Within 3 working days, we will email to advise when they are ready to collect from reception at Appletree Court, Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, SO43 7PA.
When collecting, payment of £10.00 will be required.

Applying door signage

The fixing instructions and recommended wipe to prepare the surface will be provided with the door signage.

The door signage must be displayed at all times and not altered in any way or removed at any time whilst the vehicle is licensed. These signs must not be fixed using magnets, Velcro, adhesive tape, or similar. They must be fixed according to the manufacturer's instructions only.

Failure to display the door signage in the approved manner may result in suspension of the vehicle licence until the matter is rectified.

If the vehicle ceases to be licensed, you must remove the door signage immediately, by following the manufacturer's instructions.

Exemptions from displaying a rear licence plate and door signage

Full details of our exemption policy can be found within our Taxi and Private Hire Policy. This includes the vehicle requirements and the type of licensed work requirements.

Applications may only be made by a person holding a private hire operator's licence issued by New Forest District Council and only for a single private hire vehicle per application.

Each exemption application will be assessed individually by the Licensing Manager and each vehicle will be inspected by an authorised officer, to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

Where a licensed operator wishes to make an application to exempt a vehicle from displaying an external rear licence plate and signage, an application form and fee will be required, together with evidence of contracts for that vehicle and any other supporting evidence. This is in addition to the application fee to licence the vehicle.

Where such documentation is not provided to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority, the application will be refused.