exclusively within the Brighton & Hove Unitary Authority…we need to know where we stand.


We also need full assurance that this includes the Brighton & Hove taxi/PH Licensing department that exclusively deals with taxis/PH drivers, vehicles and operators where we in the trade here have a very good, strong and close relationship. This is unlike most other areas where taxi/PH licensing is thrown in with the licensing of sex shops, poodle parlours and ice cream van vendors…. and everything else that needs to be licensed.


I must make it very clear that the Brighton & Hove taxi/PH trade has effectively been punished for a number of years by being flooded with ‘out-of-town drivers’ from Portsmouth, Southampton, Chichester. Lewes, Fareham, Havant, New Forest and Mid-Sussex, all encouraged under Uber to predominantly work here, that Brighton & Hove Licensing has absolutely no control over. Many of whom break their own respective licensing conditions and even illegally use our taxi ranks. Very recent examples of this can be provided.


As a consequence of this, the Brighton & Hove taxi/PH trade has dwindled in numbers.


This is due to drivers retiring or giving up their licences, because they have just… ‘given up’. There are now fewer applicants to join the local trade here as they are unable to meet our local conditions of licensing and so seek licences in lower condition requirement areas. There are even drivers who actually live here who seek licences elsewhere to predominantly work here.


Number of Licensed Vehicles – Hackney Carriages & Private Hire Vehicles


l In 2015 the total number was 1,022* l As of April 2026, this number has reduced to 940*


Number of Dual Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver Licences & Standalone Private Hire Licences


l In 2015 the total number was 1,789* l As of April 2026, the total number was 1,051*


This massive 41% drop in driver licences emphasises the jolting reality of where we are today. This also affects the sustainability of the taxi/PH licensing department with the massive drop in fees. The irony


PHTM SEPTEMBER 2026


is that fees paid by ‘out-of-town’ drivers to their respective licensing authorities should be paid here.


*Figures taken from the government taxi/PH stats as of April 2026, published August 2026.


Lewes DC Operators


Currently, Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe are all controlled by Lewes DC and no doubt there are Lewes licensed operators being sole traders or as cab companies with registered offices based in those three areas.


As Brighton & Hove council is preparing to take over those areas which will then no longer be under the control of Lewes DC, what will happen to those operators/cab companies that run Lewes licensed taxis/PH vehicles currently registered in those areas? Will they be forced to cease trading as they will no longer fall under Lewes DC Licensing? In fact, it is understood that Lewes DC will no longer exist as such under Devolution.


It is presumed that you now know more than you did when I first asked these questions last year, so ultimately, we need to know the following:


1: Will Brighton & Hove retain the full licensing powers for the city’s hackney carriage/private hire licensing of drivers, vehicles and operators post Devolution and when the new Sussex Mayor is put in place.


2: What will happen to those operators/cab companies currently licensed by Lewes DC that are registered in Saltdean, Peacehaven and Telscombe?


Our next trade forum meeting is on 26 August 2026 so, if possible, it would be beneficial to have a reply by then.


The above will also be published in my monthly column in the September edition of the national trade magazine, Private Hire & Taxi Monthly. I would then like to be able to publish your reply in the October edition.


Andrew Peters BHTCA


69


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