Under the fresh proposals, the cost of a one-year licence for both HCs and PHVs will be set at £265.20, while a five-year private hire operator’s licence is expected to cost £534.29.

The incident occurred on Stonehouse Street between January 9 and 10, when a thief shattered the vehicle's window to snatch £170 in cash takings.

Portsmouth City Council voted at a Licensing Committee meeting on Friday 20 February 2026 to implement, from the 1st April 2026, mandatory daily walk-around/ pre-use checks on all taxis and private hire vehicles.

The 41-year-old, who owned the Taxi Centre, was discovered with catastrophic head injuries on the driveway of his Dowanhill home nearly 23 years ago.

Ipswich Borough Council is preparing for a high-stakes discussion this week regarding a government proposal that could strip local councils of their power to license taxis and private hire vehicles.

Mark Doyle, 36, appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court to face the consequences of the September 2024 attack, which saw the driver lose both his earnings and his car keys.

Local taxi drivers, who pay for an annual permit to operate from the official station rank, say the area has become a free-for-all during peak evening hours, leading to congestion and safety risks.

During a licensing committee meeting on February 20, councillors described the presence of these out-of-town cars as "out of control."