Woking Borough Council has announced a raft of changes to its taxi licensing services, set to roll out progressively, with key updates taking effect from April 2025.
The council aims to modernise the system, focusing on environmental sustainability, improved accessibility and streamlined processes for drivers and passengers.
A significant push for greener transportation will see all wheelchair accessible taxis mandated to become ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) or fully electric by March 31, 2026.
This initiative follows existing regulations that require hackney carriages to be under five years old and emit no more than 75g/km of CO2, and private hire vehicles to have a 5-star NCAP safety rating and meet Euro 6 emission standards.
The council also maintains an age limit for licensed vehicles, generally 12 years, with wheelchair accessible taxis allowed to operate up to 15 years.
Accessibility is another key focus. The council plans to prominently feature wheelchair accessible vehicles on its website, allowing residents to easily identify and access these services.
Drivers with compliant vehicles are encouraged to contact the council to have their details published online, with their consent. To qualify for promotion, the vehicle must be new and comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.
The council is also overhauling its online presence, with revamped licensing webpages and enhanced online forms slated for launch.
Recognising the current website's navigational challenges, the council has partnered with digital experts to create a more user-friendly experience for drivers seeking information and completing applications.
Finally, Woking Borough Council has announced fee adjustments, effective from April 1, 2025.
The new pricing structure includes:
• Extra medical submission (£25)
• Driver renewal for three years (£340)
• Driver renewal for one year (for drivers aged 60+) plus medical submission (£173)
• Vehicle renewal (£250)
• New operator/operator renewal (£370)
• Knowledge check (£50)
The council encourages drivers to stay informed of these changes to ensure compliance.
Vincent O'Connor, just one month after being released from prison for a similar offence, choked and robbed Kenneth Green, stealing his day's earnings.
Hammad Ashraf Khan Manj, from Slough, offered a ride to Slough train station from near the festival site on Tessa Road.
The Rochdale event brought together PH and taxi drivers, MPs, Rochdale BC leadership, Trade Union reps, GM Police and community leaders to push for better conditions in the sector.
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A Cardiff Council scheme which has provided more than £200,000 of grants to enable the city's taxi drivers to upgrade to more fuel efficient or fully electric vehicles.
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Mahmood Khan, a taxi driver for over 40 years, and fellow cabbie Jake Carter allege that some Uber drivers are flouting regulations by waiting at the station without pre-booked fares, effectively poaching passengers.
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Basit Ali, who accepted the caution in 2012, has been denied a hackney carriage and private hire licence four times since then – in 2015, 2016, 2018, and most recently, in 2023.
Jeremy Higgins appeared at Swansea Crown Court after the incident which left the taxi driver feeling "anxious and stressed" at work.
A Carlisle woman has admitted racially aggravated assault after attacking a taxi driver.
The incident occurred on Friday, 14 February, after dark, when a silver car, reportedly being used as a taxi, collided with the sign on a motorway approach to Bolton.