Posted on the 12th March 2026 in PHTM News

NORTH YORKSHIRE TAXI DRIVERS WARN NEW VEHICLE RULES COULD FINISH OFF THE TRADE

Taxi drivers in North Yorkshire have issued a stark warning to local councillors, claiming that proposed changes to licensing rules could force many out of business.

North Yorkshire Council is considering a new policy that would require all new hackney carriage licences to be for wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs), zero-emission electric cars, or hybrids.

Officials argue the move is necessary to fix a local shortage, noting that the county currently has only one wheelchair-accessible taxi for every 10,250 people.

The best performing rural authorities provide one for every 2,000 to 3,000 people, according to council officers.

However, drivers argue that the high cost of these vehicles and the practicalities of rural driving in EVs make the plan unworkable.

Richard Fieldman, representing the North Yorkshire Taxi Drivers group, expressed disbelief at the proposal, stating: “The taxi trade is already in a massive decline due to Uber and one thing and another, and what they’re trying to do will just finish us off.”

He warned that the financial and operational burden would lead to a mass exodus from the profession, adding: “There’s absolutely no way... that I would have a wheelchair vehicle or an electric vehicle, so myself, like many others, will just pack in.”

The council’s executive member for licensing, Cllr Richard Foster, defended the plans as a necessary step for equality and the environment. “We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, so the aim of the policy is to improve the access and availability of licensed vehicles across the county,” he said.

He emphasised that the goal is to create a "mixed fleet" that reduces emissions while providing safe transport for all.

If the policy is approved next Tuesday, 17 March, it will be reviewed after one year to assess its impact on both passengers and the struggling taxi trade.


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