
Twelve Liverpool taxi and private hire drivers have lost their licences immediately and without appeal after testing non-negative for cocaine and cannabis.
Liverpool Council has tested 630 drivers - just 13% of its 4,800 registered drivers - over the past seven years, uncovering a “small minority” using illegal substances on a “recreational basis or as habitual users.”
First approved in 2019 with monthly random checks, the testing policy faces tighter controls following a rise in referrals.
Since 2023, 21 new applicants with drug history on their DBS certificates and 17 existing drivers flagged by public complaints have undergone testing.
An upcoming general licensing committee report states that drug use is “completely incompatible with being fit and proper persons to be entrusted with the safe carriage of the general public as well as the dangers presented to other road users.”
Under the proposed rules, new applicants with drug convictions from the last decade and renewal applicants with convictions or cautions within three years can face mandatory urine testing.
Non-negative screening samples will go to a UKAS-accredited analytical laboratory for confirmation, and licences can be revoked immediately during the process.
Passing a random test grants a three-month exemption, intelligence-led checks are planned for suspected offenders, and revoked drivers can reapply for reinstatement by passing a test if they are deemed fit and proper to get back behind the wheel.

Coventry taxi fares will increase despite opposition from local cabbies, following approval by cabinet member for city services Cllr Patricia Hetherton on 15 September.

officers from the Heywood Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a comprehensive Traffic Enforcement Operation under the banner of Op Paragon. 

Lead licensing officer Nicky Jones told councillors that Denbighshire’s rates sit above 2nd place Swansea and beat averages in England, while other N. Wales councils charge “a lot less than ours”.

London’s licensed taxi fleet could shrink further as parts shortages for TX5 electric cabs leave self-employed drivers facing income loss and extended vehicle downtime.

If approved, the new maximum rates will start on 1 October. No objections were raised during a public consultation, and the local taxi trade supports the review.

Cllr John Grafton says resigning as a councillor is an option following no confidence vote over a controversial June decision to let convicted rapist David Brown keep his taxi operator’s licence.

Local operator Blueline has been pushing for the colour requirement to be reconsidered, arguing that mandatory full-body yellow resprays or wraps add over £2,000 extra per vehicle

This new model will take over from the iconic TX range-extended electric taxi which launched in 2018

eteran cabbie Rob Finlayson told PHTM: "Glasgow City Council is proposing to revoke the North Hanover Street taxi stance beside Queen Street Station. I’ve formally objected.

The follows a six year jail term being given in October 2022 to David Park, the 73-year-old Director of the firm, who used stolen taxes to help buy a £3.8 million mansion in rural Berkshire.

Tekla Adofo, 36, first came to the attention of the police on January 28 after a private hire driver realised his passenger was carrying a blade during a fare. 

Jodie Wright, Site Manager for Take Me Wellingborough, teamed up with Gareth Footbatten, Take Me Area Manager for Northants, alongside other company managers to complete Challenge the Wild.

Taxi and private hire drivers gathered at a city centre meeting in Carlisle on Monday, 14 September, to voice serious concerns about how the local trade is being managed across the Cumberland Council area.

The proposed changes seek to align our policy with updated national guidance and best practice, as well as improve consistency with neighbouring authorities.

The firm achieved the internationally recognised standard after having its management processes independently assessed

A report going to Brighton and Hove City Council's cabinet highlights industry worries over surging fuel prices, steeper insurance premiums, and the expense of meeting the local regulations in the "blue book".

Harrisons Taxis, operating across West Northamptonshire and the surrounding area, was named Taxi Business of the Year for the East Midlands following a public vote in the My Local Awards programme.

Council officers noted that these modifications, combined with a rise in the additional passenger charge from 30p to 40p and the dog transport fee from 20p to 30p per animal, represent a ten per cent increase in overall 

The scheme provides practical financial support to help local drivers transition to cleaner cars, while leaders simultaneously press the Government for legislative change on out-of-area licensing.

PC Joseph Passby had consumed alcohol prior to his shift and was on duty around 9am on 15 June 2026, when the collision with the taxi occurred.
