
A mounting backlash against Slough Borough Council’s environmental crackdown has culminated in a 1,517-signature petition, forcing a mandatory council debate over the future of the town’s taxi fleet.
At the heart of the dispute is a new licensing policy - funded by a £370,035 Government Air Quality Grant - designed to phase out diesel vehicles in a bid to slash nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels.
Under the current rules, the council has declared it will only issue new licences to non-diesel cars, while existing diesel drivers face a hard cut-off once their vehicle reaches nine years of age.
The petition, launched on November 27, argues that the council’s timeline is unrealistic and financially punishing for local drivers.
Protesters claim the policy is "stricter and more costly" than those in neighbouring boroughs and warn that operators will be forced to "bear high costs" to upgrade to petrol, hybrid, or electric alternatives.
While the council maintains that taxi emissions account for roughly 10% of local vehicle-based NO2, the trade is demanding a "robust consultation" before the ban is fully implemented.
The Grant: Slough received over £370,000 to "accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles."
The Age Limit: Diesel taxis can only be licensed until they are nine years old.
The Extension: The council has already pushed the start date from January 2025 to January 2026.
The Debate: Because the petition surpassed the 1,500-signature threshold, it must now be debated at a full council meeting.
Despite the pressure, the local authority suggests the trade has the flexibility to manage these costs.
A council spokesperson noted that while operators need council approval, "they are free to set their own fares for how much they charge passengers depending on their ‘business needs’."
However, the council appears open to further dialogue following recent meetings with trade representatives. A spokesperson characterised these talks as "constructive," adding that "discussions... will continue in the new year."

Wyre Forest District Council proposes to vary the level of licence fees for taxis and private hire vehicles.

Lewes DC is to hit the taxi trade with another huge licensing fee increase - looking to increase some fees by over 50% - this just after last year when they increased them 66% in some cases. 

Recent community intelligence has been gathered regarding drug dealers using PHVs as a mode of transport to distribute drugs in this area and this has increased over the last month. 

The ADCU has announced a UK-wide, 24-hour strike against Uber on Monday 3 February, calling on all PH drivers to log out of the Uber app from midnight on 3 February until midnight on 4 February.

Abhad Ahmed, 38, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, January 16, where the court heard how his descent into the drug trade has cost him "his wife, his job and his home."

Steve Usher claims the airport’s layout and pricing structure are “designed to take as much funds as they possibly can,” making his daily working life a struggle.

The council argues that the increases are necessary to prevent a potential shortage of drivers and to ensure the licensing department remains financially viable.

Gebrebrahan Nayzgi, of Leeds, withdrew his appeal at Bradford Magistrates' Court on Friday, 16 January, confirming the permanent revocation of his right to operate as a private hire driver.

The government is considering making CCTV mandatory in taxis as part of new national licensing standards, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood has told MPs.

Police Scotland confirmed they are treating the incident, which occurred on Stronend Street around 2:35 pm, as "wilful." 

The decisions have placed the city’s “fit and proper person” standard under the spotlight as councillors weighed past criminal behaviour against professional misconduct.

Sarbjit Gill, 58, was picking up two students near Derby Road one evening in April when a Lime bike ploughed into the side of his vehicle.

Drivers reported being targeted with bricks and other missiles, with some describing harrowing accounts of windscreens being shattered while they were behind the wheel.

James Smith, 41, appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court for sentencing following the violent confrontation on Hutcheon Street on August 5 last year.

David Harrison, of Bilston, appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court in connection with the death of "39-year-old taxi driver, Harun Khan almost 18 years ago."

Less than half a year after its acquisition by a heavyweight investment consortium, taxi app Gett is in advanced negotiations to offload its UK operations to a local competitor for c. $50m.

Members of Fife Council’s Regulation and Licensing Committee heard that random inspections were carried out over three evenings in November.

Anthony Burns, 63, was travelling at approximately 56mph on July 11, 2024, when he failed to notice stationary traffic near Warrington. 

Residents and commuters are being invited to have their say on a new "Hackney Carriage Table of Fares" as Watford Borough Council moves to update taxi tariffs for 2026.

At a meeting on Monday, January 12, Rother District Council’s Licensing and General Purposes Committee threw its support behind proposals that introduce new triggers for disciplinary action.
