Posted on the 9th June 2026 in PHTM News

DENBIGHSHIRE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER PERMANENT AGE RULE CHANGE AFTER RISE IN WAV TAXIS

Denbighshire County Council is set to meet to consider permanently relaxing rules for wheelchair-accessible taxis following a successful trial that boosted vehicle availability.

In June last year, the council’s licensing committee agreed to a 12-month trial that removed age limits for wheelchair accessible vehicles.

Under the temporary rules, instead of being forced off the road due to age, WAVs were simply required to meet "Euro 6 emission requirements" and undergo "increased compliance testing once a vehicle reaches 12 years of age."

Council officers reported that the trial had a “positive impact” on the local fleet.

Since the change, the council received seven WAV applications. While three were withdrawn because applicants failed to meet licensing standards, the remaining four accepted applications “represent a significant improvement when compared with the previous year, when no new applications were received.”

However, the move does come with potential drawbacks. A council report noted that "the main risk relates to the continued use of older vehicles, which may naturally require closer monitoring as they age."

Despite this, officials believe the danger is under control, stating that the risk "is effectively managed through the enhanced testing regime, which ensures regular safety checks and early identification of any issues."

The licensing committee will debate whether to make these changes permanent during their upcoming meeting at the Ruthin County Hall headquarters.


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