Proposed updates to our Taxi Licensing Policy
The public consultation on proposed updates to our Taxi Licensing Policy has now closed - thank you to everyone who took part.
Your views will be presented to the Licensing Committee, who will decide on whether to adopt the updated policy. This page will be updated with further information in the coming weeks.
The proposed changes seek to align our policy with updated national guidance and best practice, as well as improve consistency with neighbouring authorities (including Portsmouth City Council, Fareham Borough Council and Gosport Borough Council).
The proposals include the following:
- Introduction of regular mandatory safeguarding and disability awareness training for taxi drivers.
- Introduction of drug screening for taxi drivers
- Increased minimum period to 2 years for licence holders to have held a driving licence.
- Reduction to qualifying period for Certificate of Good Character
- Amendments to vehicle specifications
- Alignment with Institute of Licensing’s guidance on criminal convictions
- Other clarifications and minor amendments.
The changes are aimed at ensuring taxi users feel safe and secure, while those in the taxi trade are equipped to operate in a protected manner.
These proposed updates were considered and agreed in their draft form by the Licensing Committee on 15 June 2026 and we conducted a public consultation to seek views from residents, businesses and the taxi trade before making a final decision on whether to adopt the revised policy.
Links to the committee report for the Licensing Committee meeting on 15 June and to view the proposed updated policy can be found at the top of this page.