ROUND THE COUNCILS CONWY:
STRICT NEW POLICY APPROVED
Conwy County Council’s Licensing Committee has endorsed a major overhaul of its taxi and private hire licensing criteria, introducing a strict “zero tolerance risk approach” to protect children and vulnerable adults. The sweeping changes give licensing officers expanded powers to tighten who is considered a fit and proper person to operate a cab in the county. Under the newly approved policy, decision-makers are no longer limited to criminal convictions alone. They can now factor in non-conviction details and safeguarding-related intelligence when deciding whether to grant, suspend, or revoke a driver’s licence. Additionally, any pending applications will be placed on hold until all relevant legal proceedings have completely concluded. The security overhaul also establishes mandatory enhanced DBS checks, including checks against official barred lists. To maintain continuous vetting rather than relying on one-off screenings, all drivers must subscribe to the DBS Update Service register and remain enrolled for the entire duration of their licence. Updated procedures have also been put in place to ensure officers can trigger swift suspensions or revocations whenever a risk to public safety arises.
RTLC - ISLE OF MAN: DEMAND TO HALT NEW LICENCES
An Isle of Man cabbie has launched a petition urging the government to temporarily stop issuing new taxi licences following a series of alarming safety incidents. Barry Murphy, who has worked in the local trade for 24 years, is calling for an immediate freeze on new Public Passenger Vehicle applications until an independent review evaluates the licensing system. Public confidence has been shaken by recent events, including a July court appearance where a 45-year- old driver was charged with soliciting sexual acts from a lone female passenger in exchange for a free fare. Mr Murphy emphasised that his petition focuses strictly on vetting newcomers. “A number of serious incidents involving licensed drivers in recent years have understandably shaken public confidence,” Mr Murphy stated, adding that the goal is not to assign blame but “to establish whether the current system is as robust, transparent and effective as it can be.”
PHTM AUGUST 2026
The proposed review would examine whether background and criminal record checks are sufficient and if the Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) communicates effectively with other government bodies. Mr Murphy noted that if the system is found to be safe, the pause should be lifted immediately, but any necessary safety improvements must be implemented before new licences are granted. “This petition is not intended to unfairly restrict opportunities for prospective drivers,” he said. “It is intended to place public safety first.” In response, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), which oversees the RTLC, announced that officials will launch a detailed review of the legislation governing the taxi trade this summer, focusing on driver checks and the potential use of in-car CCTV. While the DEFA highlighted that drivers already undergo enhanced DBS checks, it confirmed legislative updates will be brought to Tynwald, following September’s general election, to create a more modern, effective regulatory framework.
CALDERDALE: RESTRICTED LICENSING ACCESS PLEDGE
Calderdale councillors have pledged to support exasperated local cabbies who face major challenges getting support due to severely restricted licensing office hours. Cllr Osman Khalil brought the concerns of over 1,000 drivers to the council, pointing out that the office is currently open for just three hours on Wednesdays and three hours on Fridays. Describing the six hours of access as “an absolute mockery of justice and fair rights,” Cllr Khalil highlighted that drivers are simply trying to keep their families going, yet face unfair treatment. He added: “There have been instances where a driver has lost his licence, gone to court and got cleared, yet Calderdale Council will still not reissue a taxi licence.” He formally requested increased opening hours and greater transparency over how applications are handled. Council Leader, Daniel Sutherland, responded with a firm commitment to help the trade, stating that his administration is “really committed to supporting the licensed trade to be able to operate effectively.” Describing drivers as “working class people trying to earn a living,” Cllr Sutherland announced he has instructed officers to arrange a trial period for an additional opening slot at the licensing office to facilitate business while broader issues are addressed.
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