Posted on the 15th June 2026 in PHTM News

YORK TAXI DRIVERS CALL FOR LICENSING REVIEW AMID UNFAIR CROSS-BORDER COMPETITION

York taxi drivers are calling for a review of vehicle licensing rules in the city amid claims of unfair competition resulting from cross-border working.

Local cabbies say that current policies enforced by the City of York Council are placing a massive financial strain on them while allowing out-of-town drivers to freely operate in York under much less stringent rules.

Under York's strict environmental and safety regulations, hackney carriages and private hire vehicles are hit with a maximum age limit of roughly 10 years, alongside tight emissions criteria. In stark contrast, neighbouring authorities, such as Leeds and Bradford, permit compliant vehicles to stay on the road for up to 15 years.

Nazhat Al-Hafiz, chairman of the Elite 100 Station Taxi Association - which represents around 60 local drivers - argued that the current system is penalising those who play by the local rules.

"York drivers are being asked to replace vehicles earlier, spend more on compliance and meet stricter standards, while vehicles licensed by neighbouring councils can still legally operate in York under different rules," Al-Hafiz said.

"The issue is not about lowering standards. It is about fairness, sustainability and ensuring local drivers are not placed at a financial disadvantage compared to surrounding authorities."

Because of national cross-border hiring loopholes, out-of-town drivers can legally pick up pre-booked passengers within York's borders. Local drivers argue this creates a damaging double standard that hits their livelihoods while giving outside operators an unfair economic edge.

While the City of York Council has previously defended its 10-year vehicle age limit as essential for hitting its local emission targets and improving air quality, local associations are urging the authority to reassess the policy to create a level playing field.


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