READING:
ROUND THE COUNCILS BASILDON:
VEHICLE AGE LIMITS DROP
Reading BC has introduced rules that lower the maximum age for licensed vehicles from 12 years down to 10 years and encourage a shift toward electric cars. Operators warn the new regulations will cripple the local trade and that the changes are driving hundreds of drivers to register their cars with other councils that have fewer restrictions including the age of vehicles. The new age limit is particularly devastating for specialised services, such as Crown Wheelchair Travel, which transports pupils with disabilities to school. Often the vehicles only operate for two to three hours each morning and afternoon. Nazneen Ali explained that their expensive, specially adapted minibuses are now facing a “shorter life cycle.” She noted that replacing one vehicle costs roughly £45,000, adding: “These are purpose-built vehicles and it's a real shame that these are being scrapped by the council.” Manzoor Hussain, who provides luxury travel, argued that new branding requirements would ruin the look of high-end cars and alienate corporate clients. He said: “The council has lost 300 drivers to other boroughs who still work in Reading, whereas people loyal to Reading are being punished.” A major point of frustration for the trade is the lack of financial help. While the council-owned bus company received government funding to go green, minicab drivers have received no such aid.
MID SUSSEX: EMERGENCY FUEL SURCHARGE ISSUED
Dear Licensed Hackney Driver, Due to the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, with the average now at £1.91 per litre, drivers may apply an Emergency Fuel Surcharge in accordance with the Tariff Card under “Additional Charges,” should they wish to do so. EMERGENCY FUEL SURCHARGE: A charge of 50p may be applied for every £5 of the indicated metered fare, or part thereof, during periods when fuel prices are between £1.90 and £2.24 per litre. This additional charge may continue to be applied until further notice from the Licensing Team. Kind regards, Licensing Team – Environmental Health Mid Sussex District Council
12 FUEL SUPPORT GRANT AVAILABLE
Basildon BC announced: “Taxi drivers are a vital part of Basildon. They keep our communities moving, support residents at all hours, and play a key role in our local economy. They shouldn’t be left footing the bill for rising fuel costs driven by Trump’s mindless war with Iran. That’s why we will introduce a Taxi Fuel Support Grant for licensed drivers in our borough. “We backed our taxi drivers through Covid when times were tough, and we’ll step up again now. Because if you work hard, play by the rules, and keep Basildon moving, your council should have your back.”
INVERCLYDE: FOREIGN CRIMINAL CHECKS REMAIN
Inverclyde Council has blocked a proposal to relax criminal record checks for taxi drivers born outside the UK after a massive public backlash. A staggering 96% of people who took part in a consultation voted against the change, forcing the council’s general purposes board to stick with its current strict rules. Under the existing system, anyone applying for a taxi licence must show a clear criminal record from every country they have lived in for six months or more. If an applicant was born abroad and cannot provide these checks
from their home country, their
application is automatically rejected. While the council noted that only eight people were affected last year, an official confirmed that this number has recently risen by a “significant number.” Police Scotland also raised concerns that lowering standards could lead to drivers being targeted for abuse. Sergeant Kevin Craig warned that “if we’re giving folk a bit of leeway... then there’s a risk that even if they do provide a full, clear criminal records check, the drivers may become targets for unwarranted abuse as well.” While the board voted unanimously to keep the rules, some councillors expressed concern for young people who were born abroad but grew up in Scotland. Cllr Jim Clocherty argued it might be “better to see 11 innocent people not getting a licence” to ensure one person with a criminal record did not slip through. However, officials suggested the council may look into exemptions in the future for “new Scots” who have gone through the local school system and have no adult history in another country.
MAY 2026 PHTM
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