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Peterborough Council approves taxi licensing consultation as operator financial checks and 18-year electric vehicle limit move forward
Peterborough City Council has approved plans to consult on a revised taxi and private hire licensing policy that would introduce financial checks for operators and extend the maximum licensing age of zero-emission vehicles to 18 years.
The decision was taken by the council’s Licensing Committee on Thursday 8 October 2026, with the authority confirming the outcome in an announcement published on Friday 9 October. The public consultation is expected to begin later this month.
Councillors considered the draft Taxi and Private Hire Policy 2026–2031 at Sand Martin House, agreeing that drivers, operators, passengers and other interested parties should have an opportunity to comment before the proposed framework progresses.
One of the principal changes would introduce financial checks for all new and renewal private hire operator licence applications. The council says the measure forms part of efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight of businesses responsible for arranging licensed passenger journeys.
A separate proposal would allow zero-emission taxis and private hire vehicles to remain eligible for licensing until they reach 18 years of age.
The measure could have implications for proprietors investing in electric vehicles, potentially allowing them to spread acquisition costs over a longer licensing period. However, eligibility would not remove the requirement for vehicles to meet applicable safety and inspection standards.
The council has not confirmed how many existing licensed vehicles would benefit from the proposed 18-year limit or how many proprietors might alter their vehicle replacement plans.
The policy review also places increased emphasis on safeguarding vulnerable passengers, particularly where licensed operators undertake passenger transport contracts involving children, young people and adults at risk.
Peterborough says the proposed framework responds to developments in national taxi and private hire regulation, including recommendations arising from Baroness Casey’s review of group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse.
The council’s review comes as the Government pursues wider changes to taxi and private hire licensing, including proposals for national minimum standards and reforms intended to address inconsistencies between licensing authorities.
Councillor Christian Hogg, Peterborough’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Enforcement, said the existing licensing policy was approaching expiry and that an updated framework was needed to protect drivers, operators and passengers.
He encouraged people working in the licensed trade to participate when the consultation opens, saying their feedback would be important in determining the final arrangements.
No new licensing requirements have taken effect as a result of the committee’s decision. The proposed financial checks and vehicle age arrangements remain subject to consultation and subsequent approval.
