Rushcliffe Borough Council updates taxi licensing policy in bid to recruit and retain local cabbies
- Perry Richardson
- 15 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Rushcliffe Borough Council has signed off changes to its Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy, setting out a shift towards stronger safeguarding rules and better access to taxi services in rural parts of the borough.
Councillors backed the revisions at a Full Council meeting on 27 November, signalling a push to attract and retain more locally based drivers at a time when public transport options remain limited in outlying communities.
The policy review places particular emphasis on Hackney carriage provision, with the authority seeking improved availability outside town centres. RBC said the updated framework is designed to encourage more drivers to licence locally, a move it believes will improve responsiveness and reliability for residents who depend on taxis for essential journeys.
Safety standards form the other major component of the reforms. The council outlined plans for tighter vehicle requirements and enhanced safeguarding expectations for all licence holders. Officials noted that these changes support wider initiatives linked to the White Ribbon campaign that aims to reduce violence against women and girls.
Rushcliffe Borough Council has approved revisions to its taxi and driver policy, introducing measures aimed at improving safety and supporting local driver recruitment.
The council also confirmed it is preparing for national reforms expected from the government’s upcoming review of taxi and driver licensing rules. One key proposal being examined nationally is mandatory CCTV in all taxis and private hire vehicles. RBC said it will review CCTV use in Rushcliffe-licensed vehicles ahead of any national direction, including the potential installation of systems in its own fleet.
RBC’s report makes clear that early consideration of CCTV will help the authority remain aligned with emerging national standards while giving operators time to adapt. Any future CCTV requirement would sit alongside broader safety measures intended to strengthen passenger confidence and provide clearer safeguarding protections.
With the updated policy now agreed, Rushcliffe will begin engaging with drivers, operators and local communities as it shapes the next phase of its licensing approach. The council said the changes mark an incremental shift ahead of national reforms that are expected to further reshape the sector.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “We’re really pleased that Councillors supported these changes to our policy, so that we can move forwards progress these safety factors sooner rather than later.
“It will all help to increase the number of Rushcliffe registered taxi drivers and ensure Rushcliffe residents have access to safe, reliable, and well‑regulated taxi services.
“We’re keen to have additional safeguarding measures in place as soon as possible to further protect both drivers and passengers, especially women and girls using taxis.”
