Taxi driver licensing changes in force in South Cambridgeshire

South Cambridgeshire has introduced updated licensing requirements for taxi drivers in a move to enhance public safety and ensure fairness for drivers.

The District Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy changes came into force at the start of the year.

The following changes have been agreed:

Safeguarding Training

Safeguarding training for new applicants must include disability awareness and must be undertaken in a classroom setting (online or remote) by a Council approved course provider.

Appeal Process Revision

Applicants refused a licence will have the right of appeal to the Magistrates Court instead of previously to the District Council’s Licensing Panel.

Competency Tests

A maximum of three competency tests may be taken before the application will be refused. A new application can be submitted after three months.

Daily vehicle checks

Drivers / proprietors must undertake a daily vehicle inspection as per the Department for Transport (DfT) guidance.

Vehicle Write-Offs

New licences for category A, B, N or S insurance write-off vehicles will not be permitted, to further enhance driver and passenger safety and vehicle standards.

Wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles

Wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles can be licensed if they meet a minimum Euro 5 emission standards (see policy for details).

Driver Handbook

The driver handbook has been deleted and replaced with more up to date real-time information on the website, which will be more relevant to the trade.

There has been no change for:

• The need to display plates, door signage and operator signage as Members considered it was in the grounds of public safety to retain door signage and ensure passengers accessed their correctly booked vehicle
• Emission standards for most vehicles
• Executive hire exemptions

Cllr Natalie Warren Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Licensing for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Amending our taxi driver policy ensures the safety of the public while creating a more reliable and professional service. This change not only prioritises passenger well-being but also supports local businesses by fostering trust and transparency. We’ve listened to concerns from our residents and have taken steps to address them, making sure that everyone feels safer and better served in our community.”

The revisions were agreed in a meeting of South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Licensing Committee and came into force on 1 January 2025.