Posted on the 2nd September 2026 in PHTM News
BUCKS COUNCIL ROLLS OUT MAJOR POLICY CHANGES TO BOOST SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY AND ECO FRIENDLY TRAVEL
Buckinghamshire Council has introduced an updated hackney carriage and private hire taxi licensing policy aimed at making local travel safer, more accessible and better for the environment.
The comprehensive updates, which took effect on September 1, 2026, streamline the application process for drivers while modernising vehicle standards and passenger requirements across the county.
Under the new framework, applying for or renewing a taxi licence has been simplified, though applicants must now meet clear eligibility criteria.
Drivers require at least 12 months of driving experience on a full British licence, must be aged 21 or over with limited exceptions, and need a medical check from their GP or an approved provider, with a full medical history only required for the initial check.
Hackney carriage drivers must also provide proof of working within Buckinghamshire, and anyone who has lived abroad for 12 months or more in a single country over the past decade must supply a certificate of good conduct.
Vehicle rules have also been updated to offer more flexibility alongside greener standards.
Most standard vehicles can now be licensed for 12 years instead of 10, while wheelchair-accessible and low-emission vehicles gain an extended lifespan of 15 years, with even longer licences available for vehicles meeting enhanced accessibility requirements.
To improve air quality, all newly licensed vehicles must meet Euro 6 emissions standards from their first licence, and by 2035, all new vehicle applications must be ultra-low or zero emission.
Existing vehicles can continue operating until they reach their maximum age limit. Licensees can view more information about these adjustments via the Buckinghamshire Council hackney carriage vehicle licence holder page.
Passenger experience and safety form a major part of the policy overhaul, introducing mandatory contactless payment options for every journey and a zero-tolerance declaration on abuse.
Operator staff dealing directly with customers must now complete safeguarding and disability awareness training, while rules have been relaxed to remove the requirement for operators to maintain a local landline number and to give executive drivers more flexibility to handle occasional non-executive work.
Further updates include a revised approach to managing driver DVLA points and greater latitude for vehicle advertising.
A complete copy of the updated guidelines can be accessed directly via the Buckinghamshire Council new policy document.
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