ROUND THE COUNCILS
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE: MAJOR TAXI POLICY CHANGES
Buckinghamshire Council has introduced an updated taxi licensing policy aimed at making local travel safer, more accessible and better for the environment. The comprehensive updates, which took effect on September 1, 2026, streamline the application process for drivers while modernising vehicle standards and passenger requirements across the county. Under the new framework, applying for or renewing a taxi licence has been simplified, though applicants must now meet clear eligibility criteria. Drivers require at least 12 months of driving experience on a full British licence, must be aged 21 or over with limited exceptions, and need a medical check from their GP or an approved provider, with a full medical history only required for the initial check. HC drivers must also provide proof of working within Buckinghamshire, and anyone who has lived abroad for 12 months or more in a single country over the past decade must supply a certificate of good conduct. Vehicle rules have also been updated to offer more flexibility alongside greener standards. Most standard vehicles can now be licensed for 12 years instead of 10, while WAVs and LEVs gain an extended lifespan of 15 years, with even longer licences available for vehicles meeting enhanced accessibility requirements. To improve air quality, all newly licensed vehicles must meet Euro 6 emissions standards from their first licence, and by 2035, all new vehicle applications must be ultra-low or zero emission. Existing vehicles can continue operating until they reach their maximum age limit. More information is available via the Buckinghamshire Council HC vehicle licence holder page here:
https://shorturl.at/vFRib Passenger experience and safety form a major part of the policy changes, introducing mandatory contact-less payments and a zero-tolerance declaration on abuse. Operator staff dealing directly with customers must now complete safeguarding and disability awareness training, while rules have been relaxed to remove the requirement for operators to maintain a local landline number and to give executive drivers more flexibility to handle occasional non-executive work. Further updates include a revised approach to managing driver DVLA points and greater latitude for vehicle advertising. A complete copy of the updated guidelines can be accessed directly here:
https://shorturl.at/yi9Di
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NORTH NORTHANTS: WIDE KNOWLEDGE TESTS CONCERNS
Licensed taxi drivers in Corby have met with senior council officials to warn that a new, harmonised knowledge test is proving too difficult for veteran drivers and reducing the number of cabs available to the public. The meeting took place at the Corby Cube on the evening of 2 September between members of the North Northamptonshire Hackney Carriage Trade Alliance, local councillors, and regulatory services lead Councillor Kirk Harrison. The talks focused on the council’s updated licensing policy introduced last year, which replaced four legacy district policies and now requires drivers to demonstrate knowledge of routes across the entire North Northamptonshire unitary area, covering Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and Rushden, instead of just their home town. Trade representative Neil Rielly said, “We want licensing that protects passengers while also being fair, practical and sustainable for drivers. The meeting was constructive, but the important test will be whether the concerns raised now lead to clear answers and meaningful action.” Taxi owner Ian Robb added, “Because it is so difficult to pass a street test that covers all of North Northants, there are less drivers and less taxis on the road which is affecting the public.” The discussion also covered vehicle requirements, such as mandatory black hackney carriage bodywork, fee structures, policy inconsistencies, and a licensing panel safeguard for drivers who fail the test three times. Particular attention was given to an ongoing case involving an experienced driver left unable to work while his licence renewal remains unresolved. Cllr Harrison agreed to review the three-failure safeguard and the vehicle colour requirement, with an urgent reply on the sidelined driver requested within 10 working days, and responses on remaining matters expected within 20 working days. No policy changes or individual case outcomes have yet been confirmed. Addressing the trade representatives alongside Clls Mark Pengelly and Willie Colquhoun, Cllr Harrison noted that the issues would feed into a wider review of the harmonised policy. He stated, “My priority is to ensure we have a licensing policy that is fair and consistent across North Northamptonshire and works for both the trade and the travelling public, while maintaining the high standards of public safety that residents rightly expect.”
OCTOBER 2026 PHTM
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