ROUND THE COUNCILS CRAWLEY:
NEW DUAL LICENCE PLANNED
Crawley C has unveiled plans to simplify its taxi licensing system by introducing a “dual licence” that covers both HCs and PHVs. The proposal is designed to modernise the licensing system, reduce duplication, and improve efficiency while maintaining all required safety, knowledge, and training standards. The single application process will help drivers save time and avoid paying two sets of fees and undergoing separate processes. Currently, over 100 drivers in the town hold both hackney carriage and private hire badges. While the new system will be much faster, the council insisted that it will not result in lower standards as drivers will still be required to pass all the necessary training and knowledge tests for both types of licence. Cllr Yasmin Khan, Cabinet member for Public Protection, said the change is designed to support local operators. “We want to make it easier for our hard-working taxi drivers to expand their business,” she stated. “This proposal is to make our licensing system simpler for drivers, while keeping all our high safety and compliance standards firmly in place.” The council believes that removing the extra paperwork will allow drivers to focus on their work rather than bureaucracy.
JERSEY: CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL TAXI SERVICES
A Jersey politician is calling for urgent law reforms to stop unlicensed taxi services from operating across the island. Deputy Catherine Curtis has proposed updating the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935, arguing the current wording is “inadequate for effective prosecution” of drivers using Facebook groups to offer unregulated lifts. The move aims to protect the public and licensed drivers from “unregulated and uninsured” services that avoid tax and safety standards. Deputy Curtis highlighted the dangers for young people getting home after a night out, stating: “The main concern is that there could be an accident which is not covered by insurance, or an assault on a member of the public.” While acknowledging that high taxi prices drive some
40
to use illegal alternatives, Curtis insisted that quality costs money. “If we want to have a safe taxi service, we have to pay for it,” she said, adding that “sometimes illegal taxis are not really cheaper anyway.” If approved, the new rules would allow authorities to fine anyone facilitating or advertising these unauthorised services. States members are expected to debate the proposal on 24 March.
SOUTH AYRSHIRE: TIGHTENING OF TAXI LICENSING RULES
South Ayrshire taxi and private hire drivers are facing a potential shake-up of their licensing rules as the local council prepares to launch a major policy review. A report presented to the Cabinet on February 17 has called for a formal consultation to update guidelines that have governed the trade since 1996. Council officers argue that a broader review is now necessary to “bring the policy in line with updated Scottish Government guidance and modern practice.” One of the most significant proposals involves toughening health requirements. While drivers currently only need to meet standard DVLA rules, the council is considering a shift to the “Group 2” medical standard - the same rigorous testing used for bus and lorry drivers. This change would reflect the reality that taxi drivers “spend long periods behind the wheel.” Security and background transparency are also high on the agenda. While Police Scotland handles local background checks, they cannot track foreign convictions. Consequently, the council may soon require any driver who has lived abroad for six months or more to provide criminal record checks from those countries. Additionally, the review will look at establishing formal rules for CCTV inside vehicles, as officers currently have to handle requests from drivers wanting to install cameras on a “case-by-case basis.” The consultation will also explore “greener” incentives, such as allowing electric and hybrid vehicles to stay on the road longer than petrol or diesel models to offset their higher costs. Drivers will also get the chance to voice their opinions on mandatory equipment, including whether requirements to carry first aid kits and fire extinguishers “should be reconsidered.” If approved, the consultation period is set to begin on February 28, 2026.
MARCH 2026 PHTM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74
