Darlington opens consultation on revised taxi policy proposals ranging from disability training to CCTV
- Perry Richardson
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
Darlington Borough Council has launched a public consultation as part of its latest review of taxi licensing policies covering Hackney Carriage and Private Hire operations.
The new proposals come in response to recent updates to the Department for Transport’s Best Practice Guide and build upon changes made during previous policy reviews.
The last full policy update was agreed in January 2021, following which an interim review in 2022 introduced several amendments. These included replacing vehicle age limits with Euro 6 engine requirements, removing topographical testing for private hire drivers and allowing factory-fitted rear window tints.
As part of the latest review, the council is considering several new proposals. These include mandatory disability awareness training for all drivers and the possible requirement for CCTV recording equipment to be installed in all vehicles.
Card payment facilities may also become compulsory, offering passengers an alternative to cash. Changes to vehicle testing requirements are also being explored, with a move to annual testing for vehicles under three years old instead of the current six-monthly checks.
The consultation also proposes making daily vehicle safety checks a legal duty for drivers, introducing clear signage for private hire vehicles and considering a points-based system to track minor rule breaches.
Other suggestions include removing the legal requirement to carry a fire extinguisher and improving how non-compliance is assessed by licensing officers.
Members of the public and the trade can submit feedback by completing an online survey or emailing the council directly. The consultation remains open until 10 August 2025.
