ROUND THE COUNCILS MID SUSSEX: EV AGE LIMIT EXTENDED TO 15 YEARS
Plans to relax age restrictions on electric taxis in Mid Sussex have received backing from the district council’s licensing committee following an eight- week public consultation. The vehicle age limit has been in place for eight years, reviewed and consulted on three times, with no amendments being made. Under the proposal, which will now go to full council for final approval, the current ten-year age limit on licensed vehicles will be increased to 15 years exclusively for electric models. The policy shift was sparked by taxi driver Baiju Cherukattu Paily, who urged the council to reconsider the rules after investing in an electric car. Mr Paily explained that buying electric was “a significant decision” financially and environmentally, warning that the ten-year cap placed “considerable pressure” on cabbies due to higher vehicle costs taking longer to recoup. He argued that “allowing a limited extension for well- maintained EVs that continue to pass all safety inspections could support both environmental objectives and the sustainability of drivers.” Councillors warmly supported the adjustment, bringing Mid Sussex into line with neighbouring authorities such as Brighton & Hove, Adur, and Wealden, which already allow 15-year limits. Supporting the recommendation, Cllr Simon Hicks noted that the change was fairer to drivers, adding that “electric vehicles have fewer mechanical wear points, are cheaper to run and deliver environmental benefits in line with our net zero aspirations.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE: JUDICIAL REVIEW OVER NEW TAXI POLICY
A revised taxi licensing policy scheduled to take effect across Buckinghamshire this autumn is facing a formal legal challenge. Buckinghamshire Council has confirmed it has received a claim for a judicial review regarding “certain aspects” of its updated Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, which was originally approved on 19 March. The council is defending the claim, though official reports have not named the claimant or detailed the exact areas of the policy under dispute. A report presented to the authority’s Licensing
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Committee noted: “As the matter is subject to ongoing legal proceedings, it is not appropriate to comment further at this stage.” Despite the legal action, officials confirmed that “no determination has been made by the Court as at the date of this report and the Policy remains scheduled for implementation on September 1, 2026, unless directed otherwise by the Court.” The authority declined to provide further details, stating it would be inappropriate to comment beyond the published report. Council officers are continuing preparations for the September rollout while proceedings remain unresolved. Work
underway includes updating
administrative systems, briefing staff, advising the local trade, and revising guidance materials to ensure the rules are applied fairly. Future reports will monitor how the changes affect local service delivery and compliance once introduced.
EAST SUFFOLK: VEHICLE SPECIFICATION CONSULTATION
East Suffolk Council (ESC) is inviting views on minor proposed changes to the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Specification, which helps ensure licensed vehicles are safe, suitable and meet the standards expected by passengers. The proposed changes have been developed in consultation with the council’s appointed testing garages. They include updates to clarify existing requirements, align the specification with current legislation, provide greater flexibility in vehicle seating layouts, and introduce requirements relating to vehicle safety recalls. Whether you are a licence holder, regular taxi/PH user, or simply have an interest in local licensing standards, ESC would welcome your feedback. Your comments will help ESC understand the level of support for the proposals, identify any potential impacts, and consider whether any amendments are needed before the changes are considered by the Licensing Committee. All comments received will be included in a report to the Licensing Committee in October 2026 and will form part of a public document. The consultation, which can be found on:
https://shorturl.at/LF8ke, is open for six weeks and closes on 21 September 2026. Please send your comments to:
licensing@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.
SEPTEMBER 2026 PHTM
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