ROUND THE COUNCILS CHELTENHAM: MANDATORY CARD PAYMENTS BY 1 SEP
Starting on September 1, a new rule from Cheltenham Borough Council will require all licensed taxis and private hire vehicles in Cheltenham to accept card payments. This change marks the end of “cash only” rides across the borough, ensuring that drivers can no longer refuse fares from customers who wish to pay by card. The council announced the new policy as a way “to ensure everyone gets home safely.” All taxis and private hire vehicles will be mandated to have card payment machines. They will also be unable to charge extra for card payments. Additionally, the council noted its “commitment around public safety” by also introducing mandatory safeguarding training for all private hire operators, which will be in effect by January 1, 2026.
COVENTRY: WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY RANKS IDEA
A Coventry councillor is advocating for designated spaces at city taxi ranks for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The proposal comes as part of a wider effort to improve taxi services for people with disabilities. During a meeting of Coventry City Council’s licensing and regulatory committee, Councillor Christine Thomas, who chairs the Disability Equality Action Partnership, praised the council’s work to increase the number of accessible vehicles. However, she highlighted an ongoing issue, stating: “We seem to have a problem at the moment with a lot of drivers refusing to take wheelchairs.” She recalled a recent incident where “a gentleman in a wheelchair at a rank and the first four taxis said they all had exemption certificates, but not all had a sticker in the window.” Councillor Thomas’s comments followed a report outlining changes to the city’s licensing policy, including the removal of the London Conditions of Fitness, a rule that previously restricted the types of vehicles used as taxis. Thomas described the removal of the rule as “absolutely brilliant,” noting that it will allow for a greater variety of vehicles, including more wheelchair- accessible models.
PHTM SEPTEMBER 2025 To further support these vehicles and their
passengers, Councillor Thomas suggested creating specific spots at taxi ranks for accessible taxis. She explained that vehicles with rear ramps would need more space, and that this measure would help prevent “a person with a disability who is constantly being told by drivers that they cannot take them” from being humiliated. Councillors were told that while the suggestion could be explored, legal experts might need to be consulted to ensure such a move would not be viewed as discriminatory. The updated policy, which also included changes to emissions rules and the permitted age of vehicles, was approved by councillors and will now go before the council’s cabinet later this month.
NORTH NORTHANTS: POLICY DELAY; KNOWLEDGE CONSULTATION
North Northamptonshire Council has postponed the launch of its new taxi licensing policy until November 3, after a planned September start date was made unfeasible by a delay in government approval. The council is now awaiting sign-off from the DfT on new byelaws, a process that has been put on hold during Parliament’s summer recess. The new policy will create a single hackney carriage zone across North Northamptonshire. In the interim, the council has opened a public consultation on its proposed “knowledge” test for drivers, which will apply to both HC and combined HC/PH licence applicants. The test will cover local geography and other taxi-related requirements. Cllr Kirk Harrison, Executive Member for Regulatory Services, said: “We know this topic has been a talking point within the industry for some time, which is why it’s important we provide this update and next steps.” He added that he hopes “everyone can understand and appreciate that the go-live date is dependent on the DfT approving the byelaws.” The new regulations are part of a broader effort to standardise taxi licensing following the 2021 reorganisation that formed North Northamptonshire. The council also plans to
conduct a post-
implementation review of the policy to specifically examine requirements for WAVs and transitional rights for existing drivers. The consultation, which closes on 29 September, can be found here:
https://shorturl.at/vDDCc
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