TAXI DRIVERS TOLD TO CAP WORKING HOURS: Rushcliffe Borough Council sets out driver hours guidance in updated taxi and private hire policy
- Perry Richardson
- 25 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Rushcliffe Borough Council has outlined new guidance on working hours and rest periods for taxi and private hire drivers as part of its updated licensing policy, stopping short of imposing formal limits but signalling stronger expectations around fatigue management.
The policy confirms there are “no direct controls over the hours that Hackney Carriage/Private Hire drivers can work”, aligning with the broader national framework where taxi drivers are not subject to the same regulated hours as heavy goods vehicle or public service vehicle operators.
However, the council states that driver fatigue remains a public safety concern and is encouraging drivers to follow comparable limits used in other transport sectors. It notes that “the number of hours worked by drivers can impact on public safety” and sets out recommended thresholds designed to mitigate risk.
Under the guidance, drivers are expected to work to an average of 48 hours per week, calculated over a 17-week period. The policy allows flexibility for peak demand periods, stating drivers may work up to 60 hours in a single week provided the overall 48-hour average is maintained.
New policy promotes 48-hour working average and rest break expectations to improve passenger safety
Night working is also addressed, with the council advising that shifts should be limited to 10 hours unless there is an agreement in place to extend working time. This reflects existing working time principles applied in other regulated transport roles.
In addition to weekly limits, the policy introduces clear expectations around rest breaks during shifts. Drivers working between six and nine hours per day are advised to take breaks totalling at least 30 minutes. Where shifts exceed nine hours, total break time should increase to 45 minutes, with individual breaks lasting a minimum of 15 minutes.
The council directs drivers to further guidance, reinforcing the importance of structured rest in maintaining alertness behind the wheel. For drivers and licensing authorities, the update signals a continued shift towards embedding safety-led standards without imposing strict statutory limits.
While the measures are set as guidance, they may influence future compliance expectations, particularly where incidents or complaints raise questions about driver fitness to work.
The policy forms part of Rushcliffe’s broader licensing framework aimed at maintaining safety standards and public confidence in taxi and private hire services across the borough.
