ROUND THE COUNCILS TEWKESBURY: PENALTY POINT SCHEME IN EFFECT
A new penalty points scheme for all taxi/PH drivers and operators licensed by Tewkesbury BC came into effect on 28 September, following approval at the council’s Executive Committee on 2 September. Under the scheme, penalty points can be issued for minor infringements of licence conditions. The points issued will depend on the seriousness of the breach and will remain on a driver’s record for three years. Drivers who reach 12 points within a three-year period will have their licence reviewed by the council’s Licensing sub-committee, to decide whether any further action is necessary. This could include suspension, licence revocation, or no further action, depending on the circumstances. The penalty points scheme was developed following consultation with licensed drivers, operators, and members of the public.
CUMBERLAND: DRIVERS CRITICISE COUNCIL POLICY
Taxi and PH drivers gathered in Carlisle on 14 September, to blast Cumberland Council over falling standards, rising costs, and a lack of consultation. Organised by the Carlisle 2022 Taxi and Private Hire Association, Chris Bray, association secretary said drivers feel “railroaded” by new licensing conditions without proper consultation. He pointed out that while fare tariffs are proposed to rise in Allerdale and Copeland to match Carlisle, city drivers will see no increase, leaving them struggling. “We’ve had no increase in fares,” Bray said, noting that maintenance has jumped 70% in 3 years alongside higher rental, diesel, and tyre prices: “Drivers are just beside themselves. Most of them are working for less than minimum wage.” Trade representatives also flagged a shortage of accessible transport, with Bray stating: “There’s no disability WAVs coming on. And disabled people are entitled to a taxi as well as everybody else.” He also criticised the council for a lack of communi- cation, noting that for two years the standard response has been a lack of staff, leaving both drivers and the public without answers Cumberland Council defended its record, saying it regularly engages with the trade and keeps policies
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focused on public safety and proportionality. A council spokesperson said: “Any policy changes are considered carefully, taking into account legislative requirements, best practice and trade feedback. The council acknowledged economic pressures and encouragedg ongoing dialogue with the trade through proper channels. Meanwhile, members of the council’s executive committee met on September 16 and agreed to launch a consultation over the proposal that taxi fares be harmonised across the Cumberland Council area to a two-mile tariff of £7 to bring operators in both Allerdale and Copeland in line with those based in Carlisle.
HAVANT: LICENSING POLICY CONSULTATION
Havant BC is inviting residents, businesses and the taxi/PH trade to share their views on proposed updates to the HC and PH Licensing Policy. The proposed changes seek to align the policy with updated national guidance and best practice, as well as improve consistency with neighbouring authorities (including Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport councils). The proposals include the following: l Introduction of regular mandatory safeguarding and disability awareness training for taxi drivers.
l Introduction of drug screening for taxi drivers l Increased minimum period to 2 years for licence holders to have held a driving licence.
l Reduction to qualifying period for Certificate of Good Character
l Amendments to vehicle specifications l Alignment with Institute of Licensing’s guidance on criminal convictions
l Other clarifications and minor amendments. The changes are aimed at ensuring taxi users feel safe while those in the taxi trade are equipped to operate in a protected manner. These proposed updates were considered and agreed in their draft form by the Licensing Committee on 15 June 2026 and views are now sought before making a final decision on whether to adopt the revised policy. The online survey can be completed here:
https://shorturl.at/1NLwc The proposed updated policy can be viewed here:
https://shorturl.at/i7o7X The consultation is open until midnight on Monday 19 October 2026.
OCTOBER 2026 PHTM
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