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.

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

Summary of main Taxi Policy changes

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.