Consultation could see an end to Windsor’s distinctive purple and white taxi livery

The Royal Borough's Licensing Panel has opened a consultation to gather feedback on potential changes to taxi licensing regulations.

One of the key areas under consideration is the livery of taxis, including the possibility of reducing or eliminating the current requirements, or linking any changes to the adoption of electric or hybrid vehicles in the future.

At present, taxis licensed by the council must sport a white body with a purple bonnet and boot, along with a prominent council coat of arms on the side. However, the council is now seeking input from various stakeholders, including residents, taxi drivers, and interested groups, on whether these specifications should be modified or eliminated altogether.

Additionally, the council is seeking public opinions on the requirements set for all licensed taxi and private hire drivers to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

To ensure all interested parties have an opportunity to contribute their thoughts, a comprehensive six-week consultation period is currently underway. Residents and other stakeholders are encouraged to share their input no later than Friday 22 December.

Councillor Simon Werner, the Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Partnerships, Public Protection and Maidenhead, said: “A request to consult taxi users on possible changes to the livery of licensed taxis operating in the borough was made by our Licensing Panel last month and it’s important we get your views.”

Councillor Mandy Brar, chair of the Licensing Panel, said: “I’d encourage residents to take a look at the proposals carefully and give us their feedback.

“Alongside this, please also give us your views on DBS requirements for all taxi and private hire drivers operating in the borough. All feedback will be carefully considered before any decisions are made by the panel next year.”

The consultation results will be reported to Licensing Panel meeting in February next year.