Can Manchester’s taxi age limit increase set an example for other licensing authorities looking to support trade?
- Perry Richardson
- May 4
- 2 min read
Updated: May 5
Manchester City Council’s decision to increase taxi age limits by two years could set an example for other UK licensing authorities looking to support their local taxi trade while managing the shift to cleaner fleets.
Hackney carriages and wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles in Manchester can now be licensed up to 17 years old, and non-wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles up to 12 years. This move provides taxi drivers with a longer operational window for their vehicles, helping offset the rising costs of ownership and delayed access to affordable replacement vehicles.
Will authorities across the UK take note of this very simple, but cost effective support? Similar pressures exist nationwide, with drivers struggling to access electric or emissions-compliant vehicles. Vehicle prices remain high, particularly for purpose-built electric Hackneys. Meanwhile, local financial support has become inconsistent or non-existent in many regions.
Offering taxi age limit extensions gives drivers more incentive to invest in a vehicle that retains value for longer and avoid being pushed out of the trade.
Such a change can also reduce the risk of sudden drops in taxi numbers, which impacts public transport provision, particularly for disabled passengers or areas with limited alternatives. Manchester’s Hackney fleet, for example, is entirely wheelchair accessible. Extending the working life of these vehicles ensures this accessibility is maintained during a challenging period of industry transition.
A longer vehicle lifespan does not lower standards. All vehicles must still meet safety checks and licensing conditions. But age limit extensions provide a measured, supportive policy that balances environmental goals with industry viability.
For other councils, adopting similar policies could help retain drivers, prevent licence shopping, and keep taxi services available to the public. With no nationwide funding guarantee in place, local authorities must use the tools available to ease the burden on their taxi trades. Manchester has shown one way forward.
The Government’s current guidance to licensing authorities advises against imposing fixed vehicle age limits, stating that a vehicle’s condition and emissions output are more relevant indicators of suitability.
Well-maintained vehicles, regardless of age, can continue to operate safely and cleanly, particularly where regular inspections and compliance checks are in place. The guidance highlights that arbitrary age restrictions may result in unnecessary costs for drivers and reduce the availability of lower-emission used vehicles, including electric models. Instead, authorities are encouraged to focus on targeted standards relating to emissions, safety ratings, and accessibility rather than vehicle age alone.
