ROUND THE COUNCILS
NORTH AYRSHIRE: DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS DOUBLE
Taxi drivers in North Ayrshire are facing a “one strike and you’re out” policy after reports revealed that non- compliance with dress code standards has nearly doubled since rules were relaxed. The region’s licensing committee heard last month that despite a move toward more flexible attire in September 2024, an increasing number of drivers are failing to meet basic presentation requirements. Civic licensing standards officer Drew Robertson informed the committee that while only 10 drivers received warnings over a nearly year-long period under the old rules, 19 drivers have already been warned in the few months since the new standards were introduced. The committee is now taking a hardline stance with Mr Robertson saying: “If they have received one warning, they will not get another one if caught again - they will appear before the licensing committee.” The surge in violations caught the attention of Cllr Christina Larsen, who questioned the irony of the statistics: “Are we saying that since the dress code was relaxed, you’re getting more not complying than we had at a stricter level?” In response, Mr. Robertson admitted: “Probably we are getting slightly more although it goes over a slightly longer period.” He noted that the majority of issues involved drivers failing to wear the correct “shirts and trousers.” The current code mandates that drivers “must conduct themselves in a proper and civil manner and be clean and tidy in appearance.” While black jeans and polo shirts are now permitted, the rules remain specific to maintain a professional image: Drivers found in breach a second time now face the formal sanctions or the loss of their licence.
WALSALL: NEW POLICY CONSULTATION
Walsall Council is consulting on a new draft Taxi and Private Hire Licensing policy. The draft policy reflects government guidance and sets out procedures and standards for everyone involved including drivers, passengers and other road users. The council is encouraging anyone who uses taxis/PHVs, works in the trade, or shares the road network to take part in the consultation to help shape the policy.
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Views are also being sought on a range of key areas, including, vehicle age, identification, frequency of testing and suitability of vehicles. Alongside the policy review, vehicle licensing fees are also being reviewed and are open for public comment. The consultation is open until 31 January 2026 and can be found at:
https://shorturl.at/3vCTN Vehicle licensing fees can be commented on at
go.walsall.gov.uk/vehicle-fees-consultation
ABERDEEN: CONSULTATION ON LICENSING CHANGES
Aberdeen City Council is set to launch a public consultation on significant changes to taxi licensing rules, including the controversial proposal to scrap the stringent “street knowledge test” following a notable drop in driver numbers. Licensing chiefs have put forward several proposals aimed at addressing driver shortages and modernising the service. The review follows a period where roughly 200 drivers quit after Covid, leading to “queues of passengers regularly seen standing along Union Street waiting for a ride home.” While numbers have since risen, the council is looking to consult on whether the current street knowledge exam should be “ditched entirely” or amended. The move to potentially axe the test has previously met with resistance from existing drivers. One argued the move “would make a mockery of all the hard work taxi drivers went through to get our badge.” Key proposed changes: l Abolishing or changing the Street Knowledge Test l Merging the two current taxi zones - the city and the airport - so that all taxis are “licensed for the whole council area.”
l Allowing private hire flexibility: plans include asking the public if PHVs, such as Uber, should be allowed “to take passengers on journeys other than pre- booked routes,” effectively blurring the line between taxis and PHVs
l Vehicle age limits: the council will seek views on appropriateness of current vehicle age limits - all WAVs must be “no more than 10 years old at first licensing,” while other vehicles must be “no more than five years old.” The public consultation is scheduled to run from February 2026 until March 2026, with the results to be reported back to the Licensing Committee for consideration on May 20, 2026.
JANUARY 2026 PHTM
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