South Cambridgeshire District Council has introduced updated licensing requirements for taxi drivers in a move to enhance public safety and ensure fairness for drivers.

The District Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy changes came into force at the start of the year.

The following changes have been agreed:

Safeguarding Training:

Safeguarding training for new applicants must include disability awareness and must be undertaken in a classroom setting (online or remote) by a council approved course provider.

Appeal Process Revision:

Applicants refused a licence will have the right of appeal to the Magistrates’ Court instead of previously to the District Council’s Licensing Panel.

Competency Tests:

A maximum of three competency tests may be taken before the application will be refused. A new application can be submitted after three months.

Daily vehicle checks:

Drivers / proprietors must undertake a daily vehicle inspection as per the Department for Transport (DfT) guidance.

Vehicle Write-Offs:

New licences for category A, B, N or S insurance write-off vehicles will not be permitted, to further enhance driver and passenger safety and vehicle standards.

Wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles:

Wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles can be licensed if they meet a minimum Euro 5 emission standards (see policy for details).

Driver Handbook:

The driver handbook has been deleted and replaced with more up to date real-time information on the website, which will be more relevant to the trade.

There has been no change for: 

• The need to display plates, door signage and operator signage as Members considered it was in the grounds of public safety to retain door signage and ensure passengers accessed their correctly booked vehicle
• Emission standards for most vehicles
• Executive hire exemptions

Cllr Natalie Warren Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Licensing for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Amending our taxi driver policy ensures the safety of the public while creating a more reliable and professional service.

"This change not only prioritises passenger well-being but also supports local businesses by fostering trust and transparency. We’ve listened to concerns from our residents and have taken steps to address them, making sure that everyone feels safer and better served in our community.”

The revisions were agreed in a meeting of South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Licensing Committee and came into force on 1 January 2025.

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A Saltcoats woman with previous drink-driving convictions has been granted a taxi driver's licence by North Ayrshire Council, despite objections from Police Scotland.

Sarah Connolly appeared before the licensing committee on 8 January, facing opposition from councillors due to two prior offences.

In 2020, she was fined £500 and banned from driving for a year after being found three times over the legal alcohol limit in Ardrossan.

A subsequent incident in 2022 on the Isle of Arran resulted in an £800 fine and a 15-month driving ban. Connolly claimed she was not driving in this instance, stating that she had switched seats with a friend who had driven the car into a ditch in order to exit the vehicle.

Sergeant David Markin argued that these convictions rendered Connolly unfit to hold a taxi driver's licence.

However, the committee, acknowledging Connolly's claims of personal growth and remorse, voted 7-3 in her favour.

Councillor Cameron Inglis stated: "I propose to grant the licence as I feel she has presented herself very well and shown change in her life."

This decision has raised concerns about public safety, with dissenting councillors citing concerns about her past behaviour.

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Darlington's long-standing taxi firm, United Taxis, has made the difficult decision to cease its nighttime operations with immediate effect.

This announcement, made after "much deliberation," comes amidst rising costs and other factors beyond the company's control.

Established over 35 years ago, United Taxis has been a familiar presence in the town. However, the company has stated that the current economic climate, coupled with unforeseen challenges, has necessitated this change.

In a statement, the company expressed gratitude to its loyal customers, drivers, and staff for their support throughout the years.

"We would like to thank the thousands of customers that have used our service over the 35 years it has been running, and also to the office staff, drivers and colleagues we have worked alongside," the statement read.

United Taxis will now operate from 6am to 6pm daily, continuing to provide reliable transportation services during these hours.

This news comes shortly after Darlington taxi drivers voiced concerns about the increasing presence Uber drivers in the town after the firm was granted a licence to operate in Darlington.

Local drivers had reported a decline in work, with some being forced to travel further afield for fares.

While the company did not explicitly state whether the rise of Uber was a contributing factor to their decision, the concerns raised by local drivers highlight the competitive pressures facing traditional taxi firms in the evolving transportation landscape.

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New Forest District Council is currently reviewing its taxi licensing policy, with a focus on enhancing driver standards and safety.

While the draft policy does not currently mandate the installation of CCTV in licensed vehicles, the issue has been raised and will be subject to further consideration.

During a committee meeting on 10 January, Conservative Councillor Steve Clark expressed support for exploring the use of CCTV in taxis.

"If you look at all forms of public transport now, buses, trains, everything, they all have CCTV," he stated.

“The cost of CCTV equipment over the years has come down quite considerably and it wouldn’t be onerous I think to have CCTV installed within taxi vehicles.

“This is for the benefit of not just the public, but it is for the benefit of the drivers as well because we see a number of complaints and issues around drivers made from the public, which on occasion can be quite unfair to the drivers.”

Liberal Democrat councillor David Harrison said it did not seem “very sensible” to have mandatory CCTV for vehicles licensed with neighbouring Southampton City Council and not in the New Forest.

Cllr Harrison said: “If anything, the risks are greater in the New Forest. A rural type area where things can happen not within the sight of the public who might intervene or deter these things."

The draft policy, developed through extensive consultation with licence holders, neighbouring authorities, union representatives and the public, includes several key improvements:

• Enhanced Driver Standards: More stringent DBS checks, an updated DBS scheme, and a formal code of conduct for driver behaviour and appearance.
• Vehicle Standards: Updated regulations regarding the age and condition of licensed vehicles.
• Private Hire Vehicle Identification: Improved signage requirements for private hire vehicles.

The committee has recommended the amended draft policy for approval at the full council meeting next month.

While the immediate introduction of mandatory CCTV is not included, the council has committed to further review this aspect, considering factors such as cost, data protection and the specific needs of the New Forest.

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A local taxi driver has been arrested and charged with possessing a significant quantity of cocaine with intent to supply.

Karl Bennett, 40, appeared before Isle of Man Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 9 January, following his arrest on 7 January.

Prosecutor Sara-Jayne Dodge told the court that police stopped Bennett's vehicle and subsequently conducted searches of the vehicle and a Douglas property.

These searches allegedly yielded 272.5 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of £27,500.

Ms Dodge argued against bail, citing the substantial quantity of drugs seized and the potential risk of Bennett absconding or committing further offences to repay a potential drug debt.

Defence attorney Kaitlyn Shimmin acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but emphasised Mr. Bennett's strong local ties, lack of a passport, and willingness to comply with strict bail conditions, including regular police reporting.

However, the magistrates ultimately denied bail, and Bennett was remanded in custody at the Isle of Man Prison.

The case was adjourned until 16 January to allow the defence time to review the evidence.

Karl Bennett has not yet entered a plea to the charge.

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