South Ayrshire taxi drivers face medical tests and CCTV shake-up
- Perry Richardson
- 29 minutes ago
- 3 min read
South Ayrshire Council is set to launch a formal consultation with the taxi and private hire trade as part of a wide-ranging review of its licensing policy under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
A report to Cabinet on 17 February 2026 recommends that councillors approve a consultation exercise covering potential additions to the existing Policy, Guidelines and Code of Conduct governing the licensing, operation and testing of taxis and private hire cars. The consultation is scheduled to commence on 28 February 2026, with a follow-up report due back to Cabinet on 25 August 2026.
Among the proposed areas for consideration are the introduction of mandatory medical examinations for drivers, enhanced criminal record checks for applicants who have lived abroad, formal provisions on in-vehicle CCTV and revised age limits for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Under current arrangements, applicants for a taxi or private hire driver’s licence are not required to undertake a medical examination beyond meeting the standard necessary to hold a UK driving licence. Officers note that Scottish Government guidance suggests local authorities may wish to consider applying the DVLA Group 2 medical standard, typically used for large goods vehicle and bus drivers, given that taxi and private hire drivers are occupational drivers who spend extended periods at the wheel. The consultation will test industry views on whether such a requirement should apply to all drivers or specific categories.
Cabinet to consider new medical standards, overseas criminal checks, CCTV guidance and extended age limits for electric vehicles
The council is also considering whether to require overseas criminal record checks for non-UK nationals or applicants who have spent significant time abroad. At present, Police Scotland provides criminal record information, but cannot confirm the existence of foreign convictions. Government guidance indicates that councils may adopt a policy requiring applicants to disclose countries where they have lived for six months or more and to provide relevant criminal record documentation from those jurisdictions.
CCTV installation in licensed vehicles represents another area under review. The current policy contains no specific provisions governing the use of surveillance equipment, with enquiries handled on a case-by-case basis. Licence holders are typically referred to Information Commissioner’s Office guidance, but there are no standardised local conditions covering positioning, data handling or passenger notification. Introducing formal policy wording could provide greater clarity for operators and drivers, while also addressing data protection compliance and passenger privacy considerations.
Environmental considerations are also central to the review. The existing policy does not distinguish between petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid vehicles in relation to maximum age limits. In September 2024, Cabinet approved an extension to vehicle age limits and discussed whether electric and hybrid vehicles should benefit from a longer operational lifespan, reflecting their lower emissions and higher upfront purchase costs. That issue is now being brought forward for detailed consultation with both the trade and the council’s sustainability officers.
Beyond the four headline areas, officers intend to streamline the existing policy document to remove duplication and improve clarity. The report states that this wording review would not generally introduce substantive changes but would aim to produce a more concise and user-friendly framework for licence holders and applicants.
The council’s Taxi Forum, which brings together licensing officers and trade representatives, has already been made aware of the proposed review. According to the report, forum members have indicated a willingness to engage and have raised additional matters for consideration, including whether the requirement to carry a first aid kit and fire extinguisher remains necessary.
Final decisions on any amendments will be subject to Cabinet approval following the consultation process later this year.
