Views sought on New Forest District Council’s proposed changes to taxi licensing policy

PROPOSED changes to New Forest District Council’s taxi licensing policy will force drivers out of business, one cabbie has claimed.

The district council is currently running a public consultation into the changes to its policy, which covers the application process, ages of vehicles used, DBS checks, and signage.

Taxi driver Philip Bristow from Ringwood, who operates a wheelchair accessible London cab, estimated it would “wipe out” 75% of taxis in the town area, due to the increased costs.

One planned change relates to the age of vehicles used by drivers – all petrol and diesel cars must be less than five years old at the initial 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.

“If these new proposals are implemented it would require small operators like myself to invest not only in a new vehicle but a new disabled vehicle – which costs around £80,000,” Philip explained.

“I wouldn’t be able to carry on. You would never recoup that kind of money.”

He pointed out that while all Hackney carriages that are licenced must be wheelchair accessible, other vehicles used as taxis are exempt from the requirement.

He added: “Ironically the small operators are the only ones currently operating wheelchair accessible vehicles – many of the larger firms don’t have a suitable vehicle in their fleet.

“A direct result will be no disabled accessible vehicles operating in the area.”

A report to NFDC outlining the changes said: “This is to ensure that NFDC do not have a policy favouring vehicles older than other neighbouring authorities [and] assists our clean air strategy and climate change targets in relation to emissions.”

It will also “maintain” a professional fleet for local customers and visitors to the area.

“This is the first major review of our taxi policy for some years and will incorporate revised statutory guidance, together with increased checks on drivers to ensure their continued fitness and propriety,” it continued.

If the new policy is approved, six-monthly DBS checks will be carried out instead of the current three yearly basis.

The authority says this is to ensure it is aware of any new convictions which may have occurred during the period of the licence.

A dress code could also be introduced to promote a “professional” image, which the council says is particularly important due to the area being a tourist destination, and card machines should be available to “ensure that travelling by taxi is easier and a more attractive option to customers”.

The technology will also improve safety for drivers as they will carry less cash.

Self-adhesive identification signage to the rear passenger doors could also be introduced in order for passengers to identify vehicles more easily.

The consultation ends on 15th April.