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Peterborough taxi licensing shake-up proposes 18-year electric vehicle limit, new MOT rules and tougher operator checks
Peterborough City Council has opened a consultation on proposed changes to its Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, with reforms that could affect vehicle ownership costs, testing arrangements and licensing requirements across the city’s taxi and private hire trade.
The consultation opened on 9 November 2026 and will run until 18 December 2026. The proposed policy would cover the period from 2026 to 2031, replacing the existing framework introduced in June 2022.
Among the most significant proposals is the removal of acquired rights currently protecting vehicles licensed before 26 July 2022. The council has identified the removal of these provisions as one of the changes likely to have a substantial impact on existing licence holders.
The revised policy would also introduce a maximum licensing age of 18 years for zero-emission vehicles. Petrol and diesel vehicle age and emissions standards would be reviewed, with the council seeking to reduce the time these vehicles remain licensed while supporting a gradual transition towards hybrid and zero-emission alternatives.
Under the proposals, the existing ultra-low-emission vehicle classification would be replaced by categories covering mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The current maximum CO₂ emissions limit would also be removed.
Another proposed change concerns the approved hackney carriage vehicle list. The council wants to examine whether additional modern and more affordable vehicles could be permitted, potentially giving taxi proprietors greater choice when replacing ageing vehicles.
Vehicle testing arrangements could also undergo substantial reform. The authority is considering replacing its existing certificate of compliance system with a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) MOT-based approach.
Aragon would remain the priority testing facility, but the council is exploring whether a limited number of additional DVSA-authorised MOT centres could be appointed. Any additional providers would need to meet council standards and be selected through an appropriate procurement process.
The changes are intended to increase testing capacity, improve appointment availability and reduce reliance on a single provider. The council’s committee report also identifies the potential need for additional resources and a second testing ramp at the existing facility.
The authority is separately proposing to remove its vehicle critical-failure criteria, which currently require specified mechanical defects to be repaired within one month. Council officers argue that vehicle parts availability can make this deadline unrealistic.
Private hire operators would face additional scrutiny under the revised policy. Robust financial checks are proposed for all new and renewal operator licence applications, with the council seeking evidence that businesses have sufficient financial capacity to deliver passenger transport contracts.
The checks would also be intended to address potential money laundering and organised crime risks before licences are granted.
Safeguarding remains another central element of the review. The council intends to incorporate revisions reflecting the Department for Transport’s statutory taxi and private hire vehicle standards, particularly concerning vulnerable passengers and journeys involving children and adults at risk.
The policy review follows wider national scrutiny of taxi and private hire licensing, including recommendations associated with Baroness Casey’s examination of group-based child sexual exploitation and concerns about fragmented licensing arrangements.
Peterborough currently does not require CCTV to be installed in licensed taxis or private hire vehicles. The council has indicated that this position could be reviewed if national legislation or statutory guidance changes.
Further administrative proposals include removing the requirement to display Part 1 and Part 2 identification notices inside licensed vehicles, where alternative identification arrangements are available. The council says technical difficulties prevented the notices from being produced as originally intended.
However, the authority proposes retaining requirements for internal and external vehicle signage, with a £100 fixed penalty charge for non-compliance.
The consultation will seek views from taxi and private hire drivers, proprietors, operators, residents, businesses and other stakeholders. Responses will help the council assess the potential effects on passenger safety, accessibility, vehicle availability, environmental performance and the financial burden on licence holders.
The Licensing Committee approved proceeding to consultation at its meeting on 8 October 2026. Following the consultation, officers will report the findings back to councillors before the final policy is considered for adoption by Full Council.
