Lichfield taxi drivers to display new plates and ID badges in council safety upgrade
- Perry Richardson
- Aug 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 17
All taxis and private hire vehicles licensed by Lichfield District Council will soon carry new plates, signs and driver ID badges in an effort to make vehicles more recognisable and offer clearer ways for passengers to provide feedback.
The new requirements apply to the district’s 114 licensed vehicles and 131 drivers. Changes will be phased in as licences are renewed, with full rollout scheduled to be completed by 1 April 2026.
Private hire vehicles and hackney carriages will be fitted with distinctive signage on the front, rear and sides of the vehicle. Council-set hackney carriage fares will also be visible inside the vehicle’s rear window.
Each vehicle will display clear instructions on how to contact the council, including an email address, phone number and QR code. Passengers can use this to provide feedback or report concerns directly to the licensing team.
Drivers are being issued with updated identification badges which must be worn while working. Both the badges and the vehicle plates contain built-in security features to protect against counterfeiting.
The council is urging both residents and visitors to familiarise themselves with the updated vehicle signage and driver badges when using taxi services in the area.
Councillor Brian Yeates, Chair of Lichfield District Council’s Regulatory & Licensing Committee, said: “Our taxi drivers provide a vital service – from getting people home safely after a night out, to taking them to work, to helping people with disabilities get around.
“It’s important for the public to know whether a taxi is a Lichfield District Council-licensed hackney carriage, as these are the only vehicles that can be hailed or pick people up from a rank within the district. All other vehicles must be pre-booked.
“All of our licensed drivers undergo a DBS check every six months, complete medical examinations and safeguarding training every three years, and our vehicles face rigorous testing at least annually – alongside spot checks by our licensing officers.
“These changes are about making it easier for passengers to recognise licensed taxis, feel confident in their journey, and know how to get in touch with us if needed – while also supporting our local taxi trade.”
