ROUND THE COUNCILS STOKE:
CRACKDOWN ON LACK OF DOOR SIGNS
Stoke-on-Trent cabbies are being warned they could be kicked off the road if they fail to display proper door signs. The city council is launching “Operation Blitz” to tackle what they describe as a “significant increase” in drivers ignoring the rules, with officers currently spotting around three offenders every single day. Under the strict enforcement, any driver caught without the required signage will face an immediate suspension with the incident recorded on their driver record. All PHVs must clearly show the operator’s name, phone number, and the words “private hire” on their doors. Local officials say the move is about protecting the public. They noted that while some nearby areas have different rules, Stoke’s policy is non-negotiable. “Door signs make it easier for people to recognise the correct vehicle they’ve booked particularly vulnerable, disabled and elderly customers - and fit into our wider commitment to safety,” a spokesperson said. The council clarified that the rules, which were updated on 1 September, 2025, have not changed, but the level of enforcement is about to get much tougher. “We wanted to inform licensed drivers that we would be introducing enforcement powers from April 13 to make sure that our private hire fleet is properly displaying all necessary signage,” the council stated.
MANSFIELD: STRICT NEW STANDARDS FOR CCTV USE
Mansfield DC has officially launched a new code of conduct for taxi drivers using CCTV, aiming to boost safety while strictly protecting passenger privacy. The decision, reached during a licensing committee meeting on April 16, follows
are necessary. Privacy is a major focus of the new rules; continuous audio recording is banned and can only be triggered by a “panic button” in emergencies. Taxis must display at least three signs informing passengers they are being filmed, and all footage must be encrypted and stored on a separate device. Furthermore, recordings must be deleted after 31 days unless needed for an investigation. Passengers have the right to request their footage for free, and cameras must be switched off when the vehicle is being used for personal trips. By setting these high standards, the council hopes to provide clear evidence for police and insurance claims while maintaining public trust.
WEST NORTHANTS: FEE HIKES APPROVED DESPITE BACKLASH
West Northamptonshire Council has voted to increase fees across the region, sparking an angry reaction from drivers who say the move could force them out of business. The council is introducing a single fee structure to
replace the systems used in national guidance
suggesting CCTV can be a vital tool for crime prevention. While the council supports the idea of making CCTV mandatory, they have opted for a voluntary code for now to prevent drivers from simply seeking licences in other areas with fewer restrictions. Under the new “code,” drivers who choose to install cameras must follow a rigorous set of rules to stay compliant with data protection laws. Only dashcams and internal CCTV are allowed, and dashcams are strictly forbidden from filming passengers. Drivers must register with the ICO, pay an annual fee, and complete a safety assessment to prove the cameras
14
Northampton, Daventry, and South Northants. A licence for a new PHV was previously £198 in Northampton, £173 in Daventry and £270 in South Northants. The proposed West Northants fee is now £235. A new driver’s licence for three years would also increase from a £190 charge in Northampton, £200 in Daventry, and £200 in South Northants to a standard £245 across West Northants. The cost of a three-year renewal will also be set at £233, up from £140, £187 and £200 respectively across the Northampton, Daventry and South Northants areas. Local drivers hit back during a consultation, with over 60 people opposing the charges. One driver warned: “If fees continue to rise, the profession will become unviable, leading to fewer licensed drivers, reduced services, and a negative impact on the community.” Another critic was more blunt, labelling the price hike as “pure greed.” Others complained about the lack of support from the local authority, noting: “The council provides little visible support in return for the fees charged, while road conditions remain poor and cause ongoing vehicle damage.” Officials argued that the new system ensures “fairness"” by charging everyone the same amount regardless of where they live. The new fees were approved at a committee meeting on 14 April.
MAY 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 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
