Hackney Carriage (Taxi) and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2026-2031
Method
Email. Please submit your comments to licensing@surreyheath.gov.uk (link sends email)
Opening and closing dates
27 October 2025 until 7 December 2025
Consultation information
The Council’s current taxi policy 2021-2026 is due for review. An updated Policy has been drafted taking into account the Department for Transport (DfT) 2023 best practice guidance to local authorities, focusing on the safety of the travelling public, including protecting children and vulnerable adults from harm. It is now time to consult on the updated Policy.
In addition to the Council’s current policies and procedures, a number of changes have been introduced including the following:
- Licensed driver medical frequency changed to DVLA group 2 standard for PSV and HGV every five years.
- Conditions added to driver and operator conditions to include compliance with the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022.
- Minimum age of vehicle presented for a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle licence changed from under three years to under five years.
- Zero emission and purpose-built wheelchair accessible vehicle maximum age restriction removed, providing the vehicle continues to meet the Councils mechanical standards.
- Meters in private hire vehicles prohibited.
- Remove the condition for a fire extinguisher in Hackney Carriage and private vehicles.
- Add a condition, before commencing work a walk round safety and condition check of the vehicle is conducted.
- Private hire operator licences will be issued for five years.
Details of these additional requirements can be found in the draft policy which can be view below.
We are keen to hear your views on the draft policy and in particular the changes we are proposing.
Next steps
Once adopted the policy will be used to inform our decisions on determining applications. The policy will be kept under review and will be formally reviewed every five years to reflect changes in legislation and local conditions.
If you would like any further information, please email licensing@surreyheath.gov.uk (link sends email)