CCTV, emissions and driver standards at centre of fierce Doncaster taxi consultation battle
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Doncaster Council has received 545 responses to a 12-week public consultation on proposed changes to its Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, with councillors now set to decide whether to adopt a series of recommended amendments.
The review was launched to ensure the council’s licensing framework remains aligned with Department for Transport taxi and private hire vehicle best practice guidance while also reflecting local views. Responses were submitted by licensed drivers and operators, members of the public and other stakeholders.
According to the report presented to Doncaster’s Licensing Committee, consultation feedback revealed areas of both agreement and disagreement between trade representatives and the public, particularly around driver standards, vehicle specifications, CCTV requirements and emissions policies.
The consultation generated 291 responses from licensed drivers and operators, representing 53.4% of submissions. Members of the public accounted for 240 responses, or 44%, while a further 14 responses came from other interested parties.
Council officers said the consultation identified three key areas where both the public and the trade expressed particularly strong opinions. Rather than being determined immediately, those issues are expected to be examined through future reports assessing the feasibility of potential policy changes before returning to councillors for a decision.
The report states that any decisions taken by elected members will have implications for passenger safety, accessibility, environmental outcomes and public confidence in licensed taxi and private hire services across the city. Officers said the proposals are intended to balance public protection with proportionate regulation while maintaining safe, accessible and viable services.
The review also reflects national expectations on taxi and private hire licensing. The report notes that statutory standards issued under the Policing and Crime Act 2017 state that the Department for Transport expects licensing recommendations to be implemented unless there is a compelling local reason not to do so.
Public Health officials backed the proposed recommendations, describing taxis as an essential social determinant of health that helps vulnerable people access services and maintain social connections.
The report also warns that failing to update licensing policies in line with best practice guidance could expose the council to legal or reputational risks, while introducing additional requirements could create financial and operational pressures for drivers and operators.
The Licensing Committee has been asked to note the consultation findings and decide whether to amend the council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy in line with officer recommendations.
