ROUND THE COUNCILS ABERDEEN:
CONSULTATION ON KNOWLEDGE TEST
Aberdeen City Council is asking residents to help decide the future of the city’s taxi industry, including whether to get rid of the difficult “street knowledge” exam. The move comes as the Granite City struggles with a severe driver shortage, with only 508 licensed taxis currently operating - less than half of the 1,079 allowed under the city’s official limit. The knowledge test has faced heavy criticism recently, with campaigners claiming it makes it “too difficult for drivers to enter the trade,” leading to “lengthy queues during peak hours” at taxi ranks and making it harder for ride-hailing apps to find drivers. The council is now questioning whether drivers who only take pre-booked fares and use sat-navs should still be forced to memorise every street in the city. The consultation also asks if all drivers should have to accept card payments; if traditional driver dress code is still necessary plus officials are considering relaxing rules on which firms can pick up at the airport. Take part in the survey here:
https://taxi-private-hire.commonplace.is
NORTH YORKSHIRE: NEW WAV TAXI RULES INTRODUCED
North Yorkshire council leaders have approved a new policy to increase the number of WAV taxis, even as critics warn the move could hurt rural communities and the elderly. Under the new rules, any new application for a HV licence must be for a vehicle that is either a WAV, zero-emission, or a hybrid. The council is attempting to address a major shortage, noting that only 60 WAV HCs are currently licensed across the entire county. Cllr Richard Foster, who oversees environmental management, stated: “We have an issue around disability and access to vehicles, but we also realise there are challenges to the trade, especially the hackney carriage trade from app-based firms, both in our county and from across borders.” However, operators have hit back, claiming the high cost of these vehicles will push drivers out of business. Lisa Ridsdale, of Take Me Group, argued the policy is “out of touch with rural reality.” She pointed out that a standard car costs around £20,000, whereas WAVs or EVs can cost up to £90,000 when financed.
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“Requiring all new or replacement taxis to be WAV, EV or hybrid might work in cities, but here it’s impractical and potentially devastating,” she said. She warned the financial burden would lead to fewer drivers and longer waits for the very people the council aims to help. Richard Fieldman, of the North Yorkshire Taxi Drivers Group, had expressed disbelief at the proposal, stating: “The taxi trade is already in a massive decline due to Uber and one thing and another, and what they’re trying to do will just finish us off.” He warned that the financial and operational burden would lead to a mass exodus from the profession. The new policy also introduces new requirements for private hire companies to identify a passenger’s accessibility needs before a booking is confirmed. The council is also ditching the old 10-year age limit for taxis and PHVs, replacing it with a requirement to meet Euro 6 emission standards. To help fulfil school and social care travel, the council will also offer restricted PH licences for drivers who only work those specific contracts. Officials plan to review the policy in one year to see if the number of accessible taxis has actually grown.
SOUTHAMPTON: TAXI LIMIT TO STAY SAME
Southampton city councillors have voted to maintain a strict limit on the number of HCs allowed to operate in the city, keeping the total capped at 283 vehicles. The decision follows an independent survey which confirmed there is currently no evidence of “unmet demand” from the public. Taxi drivers, who have been vocal about the lack of space at designated ranks, welcomed the move. Perry McMillan, a rep for Unite the Union, expressed relief that officials “saw sense,” noting that the trade is already struggling with lack of rank space. He said drivers are often forced to drive around aimlessly because existing ranks are already “full up with cars.” Licensing service manager Russell Hawkins warned the committee that lifting the cap would cause “quite a lot of ill feeling”, especially since the data does not support the need for more cars. However, the meeting also highlighted concerns regarding accessibility. Cllr Sue Blatchford pointed out that some residents still struggle to find WAV taxis at ranks. While Southampton requires all new licences to be for accessible vehicles, only about 70 of the current 283 taxis meet this standard.
APRIL 2026 PHTM
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