Private hire drivers protest against New Forest District Council’s proposals to change taxi licensing rules

New Forest private hire drivers launched a protest outside NFDC’s HQ over plans to change taxi licensing rules.

As reported in the A&T, proposed changes to the policy include the application process, ages of vehicles used, DBS checks and signage.

Jason Kauder, who organised the gathering on Monday, was among the group of drivers who work in the area for app companies such as Uber and Bolt.

He told the A&T they wanted “a fair say at the table” and believed the council had been in discussion with some taxi operators but that app drivers were not represented.

Under the proposals, NFDC wants to introduce self-adhesive identification signs to the rear passenger doors in order for passengers to identify vehicles more easily.

But Jason says this will prevent app drivers from working for multiple operators.

They are also against changes to the age of vehicles used by drivers. If approved, all petrol and diesel cars must be less than five years old at the time of licensing. All hybrid vehicles must be less than seven.

Further changes would come into effect on 1st January 2026, when it is proposed that only vehicles less than 10 years old will have licenses renewed. Fully electric vehicles would be exempt.

Jason wants the council to follow Department for Transport guidelines, which were issued last November.

They state: “Members of the public can often confuse private hire vehicles with taxis, failing to realise that they are not available for immediate hire and that a private hire vehicle driver can only fulfil pre-booked requests.

“Greater differentiation in signage will help the public to distinguish between the two elements of the trade.

“Licensing authorities’ private hire vehicle signage requirements should be limited to the authority licence plate or disc and a “pre-booked only” door sign.”

The guidance also states licensing authorities should not impose age limits on vehicles but “should consider more targeted requirements to meet their policy objectives on emissions, safety rating and increasing wheelchair accessible provision where this is low”.

The public consultation on the proposals ended on Monday, but NFDC has not confirmed when it will make its decision.