Consultation on proposed updated Taxi Licensing Policy

Havant Borough Council is inviting residents, businesses and the taxi and private hire trade to share their views on proposed updates to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy.

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 are now seeking 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 and to view the proposed updated policy can be found at the top of this page. 

Have your say

The main way you can have your say on the proposed updates is by completing the online survey – the link to start your response is at the top of this page. 

Completing a survey response would take approximately ten minutes. 

The consultation is open until midnight on Monday 19 October 2026. 

Not online? Not a problem! Paper copies of the survey are available to collect from your local library or community centre, or from the council offices at The Public Service Plaza. You can also request a paper copy by calling 023 9244 6019.