Posted on the 1st October 2026 in PHTM News

STRATFORD ON AVON DC LAUNCHES CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED NEW TAXI LICENSING POLICY

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has opened a 12-week public consultation on a sweeping new draft licensing policy for local taxis and private hire vehicles, running from 28 September until 21 December 2026.

The proposed framework, which would run from 2027 to 2032 to replace rules introduced in 2009, introduces major changes to vehicle age limits to give proprietors more flexibility while encouraging greener travel.

Under the current policy, vehicles generally cannot be renewed once they are over six years old. The new draft proposes that petrol, diesel, and LPG cars can be licensed until they reach 12 years of age, hybrids up to 15 years, and fully electric or hydrogen zero-emission vehicles will have no age limit at all.

Furthermore, the previous requirement for a car to be under three years old when first licensed will be removed. All vehicles will still be subject to strict safety standards, including regular MOTs and council inspections.

To improve passenger convenience and safety, the draft policy outlines several new operational requirements. From 1 January 2027, every licensed taxi and private hire vehicle must carry a working card or mobile wallet reader where network coverage allows, display an exterior sign indicating cards are accepted, and charge no payment surcharges.

Additional proposals include: 

  • Safeguarding training before a licence is granted, refreshed every three years
  • Disability awareness training refreshed every three years (new drivers already have to take it once)
  • the DBS Update Service for every driver, with online checks every six months; a driver who does not subscribe would get a six-month licence only, with no refund
  • checks against the national register of refused and revoked taxi licences, known as NR3
  • a vaping ban in licensed vehicles, alongside the existing smoking ban
  • new rules on CCTV and dashcams, and on phones, satnavs and booking apps in the car
  • a new convictions and cautions policy to guide officers and the licensing panel

Drivers would pay for the training themselves, the draft says.

Councillor Lorraine Grocott, the environmental and neighbourhood services portfolio holder, emphasiSed the collaborative nature of the review: "The proposed new Taxi Licensing Policy is about maintaining high standards, supporting public safety and making sure our requirements are clear, fair and up to date.

"We want to hear from residents, the taxi and private hire trade, businesses and partner organisations so that their views can help shape the final policy."

Interested parties can review the draft documents here: https://shorturl.at/TJAsQ and submit their comments via email: vikki.goodman@stratford-dc.gov.uk before the 21 December 2026 deadline, ahead of the final policy passing through the council's committee adoption process.


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