
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.

Under the proposed Taxi and Private Hire Policy for 2026-2031, officials want to scrap acquired rights - commonly known as grandfather rights - for vehicles licensed before July 2022 to modernise the city's ageing fleet.

Jonathan Mitchell, 25, targeted the cabbie after changing destinations multiple times in South Shields, prompting the driver to radio his control room for police assistance.

The private hire driver was caught operating a silver Renault Master that carried the children - including a wheelchair user - and a passenger assistant to a school in Chorley.

The meeting covered concerns about the knowledge test and the promised Licensing Panel safeguard after three failed attempts - including an experienced driver who has been unable to work while his renewal remains unresol

The key objective of Glasgow Taxis’ trained and PVG-checked marshals is to help the public access a taxi safely and as quickly as possible at designated ranks, particularly at the conclusion of highly attended events.

Ipswich BC's Executive is being asked to approve a public consultation at a meeting on September 8. If no objections are raised, the revised tariffs could come into effect on October 13.

The company, which launched in Nigeria in 2014 and Uganda two years later, described the move as a difficult decision.

The taxi trade in Stirling as well as members of the public are to be consulted over proposals to increase taxi fares by 11.7 per cent and to introduce new tariffs to cover the festive period.

Warwick DC's cabinet is set to decide on 9 September, whether to approve the rise for the area's 127 hackneys, which would mark the first adjustment to the maximum permitted charges in two years.

Mohammad Anwar had his renewal application rejected by Glasgow City Council's licensing committee following a formal objection raised by Police Scotland.

Mark Johnson, owner of Lincs Coast Taxis, met Sarah after picking up the family - she explained her son Oliver had been treated that day for a brain tumour, the driver was deeply moved.

Tom Hayes MP recently hosted a meeting with taxi and private hire drivers at St Saviour's Church to hear about the reforms they would recommend as the Government brings forward a draft law.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, 2 September, at around 5.40pm as the victim was walking towards the city centre. 

Cardiff-based private hire technology firm Veezu has purchased Triple 20 Taxi Cars, adding around 270 self-employed drivers across Dudley and Sandwell to its growing regional network.

Users across the city can be matched with a driverless Ford Mustang Mach-E, though the chances are currently slim with only 15 vehicles licensed out of the capital's 100,000 Ubers.

Under the scheme, penalty points can be issued for minor infringements of licence conditions. The points issued will depend on the nature and seriousness of the breach and will remain on a driver’s record for three years

The licensing sub-committee greenlit the fare adjustment following a low-turnout public consultation where participants highlighted cost-of-living pressures.

The local authority held the urgent meeting to implement a temporary licensing change after iCars boss Neil McLennan was ordered to strip remembrance emblems from his fleet of taxis.

Somerset Council’s executive committee is expected to approve the new tariff structure today, 2 September, to help drivers cope with mounting fuel and insurance expenses.

Leon Gladdis, 29, of Newport, admitted to aggravated vehicle taking when he appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court last month, reversing an earlier not-guilty plea.
