Posted on the 2nd October 2025 in PHTM News

FALMOUTH CABBIES WARN OF SUBSTANDARD SERVICE IF TAXI ZONES ARE SCRAPPED

Falmouth taxi drivers are raising the alarm over potential “serious consequences” for passengers and local livelihoods if Cornwall Council proceeds with a plan to scrap the county's current six taxi licensing zones and create a single operating area.

Cornwall taxis are currently licensed across six separate zones - Penwith, Kerrier, Carrick, Restormel, North Cornwall, and Caradon - a system based on the former district councils and maintained since the unitary authority was established in 2009.

Drivers are only permitted to pick up passengers in their licensed area, and fare tariffs vary between zones.

Cornwall Council has opened a consultation on the proposal, arguing that creating a single licensing zone would align with Government guidance, simplify the system for passengers, improve overall taxi availability, and lead to a fairer framework. The council has stressed that existing taxi ranks would remain unchanged.

However, local drivers fear the deregulation would allow taxis from anywhere in Cornwall to operate in towns such as Falmouth, leading to an “influx of unfamiliar drivers” who lack local expertise and rely heavily on satellite navigation.

David Kendall, a Falmouth taxi driver with 43 years of experience, warned that the change could undermine quality and safety standards.

“The influx of drivers from other districts, relying solely on satellite navigation systems, has led to significant issues,” Kendall said. “These drivers often lack essential local knowledge, resulting in overcharging and substandard service for passengers.”

He added that “Deregulation undermines the licensing department’s mission to safeguard the public by ensuring drivers meet rigorous standards of professionalism and local expertise.”

The drivers' concerns have been heightened by the recent licensing of Uber in Cornwall, which many fear, combined with deregulation, could threaten the viability of traditional taxi services and diminish the quality of transport options for residents.

The Falmouth Taxi Association is now urging residents to support their local drivers by participating in the council’s consultation before any final decision is made.

Cornwall Council's consultation can be found at https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/taxi-zones

The survey is open until December 31, 2025.


Read another story