Taxi licensing changes come into force in South Cambridgeshire

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s amendments to its Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy to enhance public safety and ensure fairness for drivers have come into force.

The following changes are to include;

• Additional Safeguarding classroom training (online or remote) to new applicants to include disability awareness.
• Applicants refused a licence will have direct right of appeal to the Magistrates Court.
• A maximum of three competency tests may be taken before the application will be refused.  A new application can be submitted after three months.
• Drivers / proprietors must undertake a daily vehicle inspection as per the Department for Transport (DfT) guidance.
• New licences for category A, B, N or S insurance write-off vehicles will not be permitted, to further enhance driver and passenger safety and vehicle standards.
• Wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles can be licensed if they meet a minimum Euro 5 emission standards.
• The driver handbook has been deleted and replaced with more up to date real-time information on the website, which will be more relevant to the trade.

Lead Cabinet Member for Licensing for South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cllr Natalie Warren Green said:

“Amending our taxi driver policy ensures the safety of the public while creating a more reliable and professional service. This change not only prioritises passenger well-being but also supports local businesses by fostering trust and transparency. We’ve listened to concerns from our residents and have taken steps to address them, making sure that everyone feels safer and better served in our community.”