FROM TINTED WINDOWS TO CCTV: Doncaster opens public consultation on taxi licensing changes
- Perry Richardson
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
Doncaster Council has launched a public consultation on a series of proposed updates to its taxi licensing policy. Residents, businesses and passengers are being invited to comment on changes aimed at aligning the local framework with updated national guidance from the Department for Transport.
The proposed amendments affect both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licensing rules, with a focus on vehicle safety, accessibility, and operational flexibility.
Among the proposed changes is the removal of the need for driver references during the application process. Medical checks would be required at every renewal, regardless of the driver’s age. Vehicles fitted with partitions may also need to have hearing loops installed to support passengers with hearing difficulties.
The council is also looking at the vehicle testing process, suggesting that approved external MOT stations could be used instead of relying solely on council-run facilities. Daily vehicle checks by drivers would be introduced and recorded to enhance safety.
A review of the rules around vehicles written off by insurers is underway, along with policies on factory-fitted tinted windows. The council is also proposing to scrap the requirement for trading names to be shown on vehicle door stickers.
There will also be discussions on the future of in-vehicle CCTV requirements and whether all vehicles should still be expected to meet current emission standards, including Euro 6 for diesel and Euro 4 for petrol models.
Doncaster Council says the feedback will help shape a more locally responsive policy that works better for both drivers and passengers
Deputy Mayor for Doncaster, Glyn Jones, said: “We are encouraging everyone to feedback on the proposed changes so that we can look at how best to implement these new policies. We have a requirement to update our policies based on national changes and so it is important that we consult across Doncaster to hear how we can make these policies as local and safe as possible.
“Your voice really does make an impact so if you do use a local Hackney Carriage or Private Hire vehicle – or if you are a driver – please fill in the consultation and help us to understand what problems you may encounter, problems you already encounter, what solutions have been missed and how we can help to make it safer and better for all.”
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