AGE LIMITS AND U-TURN TO GO: Coventry to expand black taxi options by scrapping London Conditions of Fitness and age limits
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
Coventry City Council is preparing to remove the London Conditions of Fitness from its taxi licensing policy, a move set to widen the range of hackney carriage vehicles permitted in the city.
The change aims to support a more accessible transport offer and create a more level playing field for drivers.
Currently, Coventry restricts hackney carriage licences to vehicles that meet the London Conditions of Fitness, typically associated with the iconic black cab. These rules cover features such as turning circles and partitioned interiors. However, under the Department for Transport’s latest best practice guidance, councils are advised to adopt more flexible criteria which allows for a broader range of vehicles.
The Council’s revised draft policy proposes licensing other wheelchair-accessible vehicles, many of which already meet safety and accessibility standards. Removing the conditions will provide drivers with more choice and lower entry costs, while expanding the availability of accessible vehicles for passengers.
Only hackney carriages in Coventry are required to be wheelchair accessible. The proposed change aims to result in a greater number of such vehicles on the road, particularly important for users with mobility needs. This could address long-standing concerns about the limited availability of accessible taxis in parts of the city.
The move also aligns Coventry with other local authorities in the West Midlands, many of whom do not enforce the London Conditions. Standardising licensing policies across the region is intended to prevent vehicle owners from shifting between areas to take advantage of more lenient rules.
While Coventry may be removing the London Conditions, the capital itself is not currently expected to follow. Transport for London continues to enforce the conditions for hackney carriage licensing, citing the city’s unique operating environment, road layout and passenger volumes. TfL maintains that the conditions ensure safety, manoeuvrability and consistent passenger experience.
However, the Department for Transport’s guidance signals a shift in national thinking. If other large cities successfully revise their requirements without compromising accessibility or safety, the London framework may eventually come under renewed scrutiny.
The consultation on Coventry’s draft licensing policy opens on 8 August and closes on 3 October 2025. The final policy is due to be adopted from January 2026.
