UK government has announced over £20 million in funding to accelerate the development and commercialisation of drone services and flying taxis, aiming to revolutionise aviation technology. Aviation Minister Mike Kane stated: “I want the UK to have the most advanced aviation technology ecosystem in the world.”
The funding, part of the government’s Plan for Change, seeks to remove barriers to growth and maximise opportunities for improved public services while reducing carbon emissions. It will support various sectors, including healthcare for the NHS, law enforcement, infrastructure inspection, and delivery services.
A key focus is streamlining regulatory processes through collaboration between the Department for Transport (DfT), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Science Minister, Lord Vallance, highlighted that: “These regulatory reforms for drones – requiring all aircraft to share their location – will make drone operations safer and therefore speed up approvals.”
The CAA will receive £16.5 million to develop regulations for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations and the integration of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, or flying taxis. This includes creating “drone pathways” and consulting on uncrewed traffic management (UTM) systems.
The Future Flight Challenge will receive up to £5 million from DfT and Innovate UK to support the industry in commercialising these technologies. Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports and Co-Chair of the Future of Flight industry group, said: “This additional government funding is a vital boost for the UK’s leadership in next-generation aviation.”
The initiative also aims to simplify regulations for emergency services, enable two-year airspace changes for drone operations, and streamline the drone operational application process.
Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, stated: “Flying taxis will transform the way we move — making it quicker, quieter and cleaner to travel.”
Niall Duffy used a two-foot-long pole to threaten the taxi driver in the early hours of 8 February, demanding cash and stealing his dashcam before fleeing the scene.
A taxi driver has been stripped of their licence by Cheltenham Borough Council after a vehicle compliance check revealed dangerously worn tyres in the hours following the Cheltenham Festival's Gold Cup.
Tony Hall, 36, carried out a series of attacks on taxis and other vehicles in Heaton, Jesmond, Fenham, and the West End, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Abdul Amiri was found guilty of rape at Manchester Crown Court after taking his passenger to an isolated location and carrying out the "appalling" attack.
Zamir Dreni calls on TFL Finance Committee members to 'do the right thing' on April 9th.
North Norfolk District Council is consulting on its Taxi and Private Hire Policy and Handbook.
Jamie Fairless was described by police as displaying signs of drug use, including dilated pupils and jaw gurning, following the incident on Mansfield Road.
Over a three-week period in March, Luchford received five Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for driving in Blackwall Lane, despite clear signage indicating taxi exemptions.
Of those, 51 involved drivers licensed by Telford & Wrekin, while 23 pertained to drivers licensed by other authorities.
A new draft licensing policy, approved by the council's licensing committee, proposes to eliminate the current rule that restricts licences to vehicles under five years old.
Until now, Hart DC licensed vehicles have been MOT and tick tested.
The council is currently consulting on the idea that CCTV could become compulsory in taxis, including both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.
Huw Isaac and David McIntosh, Need-a-cab? bosses, have penned a letter to Plymouth City Council alleging Uber is drastically undercutting established operators.
Abdul Musaher, 35, from Scunthorpe, pleaded guilty at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court on 18 March 2025 to driving a licensed ‘taxi’ vehicle after his licence had been revoked.
Despite advertising the consultation in local newspapers, on the council's website, and directly to taxi drivers, no members of the public provided feedback.
The incident unfolded after the taxi driver picked up a fare on Ebenezer Street on Thursday, 27 March.
The controversy stems from a policy, which came into effect on 1 April, stating that vehicles being licensed for the first time must be five years old or less, compared to the previous 15-year limit.
The January 1, 2026, deadline for compliance with GM's Clean Air Plan is triggering fears of a mass exodus, with drivers citing a lack of affordable vehicle upgrades and a crippling supply chain crisis.
Dumfries and Galloway Council is exploring ways to improve access to taxis and (WAVs) following the findings of an independent survey carried out on behalf of the council.
Warrington Borough Council is inviting drivers and members of the public to take part in a consultation on proposed changes to its taxi licensing policy.