WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR CABBIES? Cornwall Council to review historic taxi zone system in proposed regional shake-up
- Perry Richardson
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
Cornwall Council is consulting on plans to remove the county’s six taxi licensing zones and replace them with a single unified area covering all of Cornwall.
The current structure, which divides the region into six zones based on the former district council areas of Penwith, Kerrier, Carrick, Restormel, North Cornwall, and Caradon, has been in place since before Cornwall became a unitary authority in 2009. Despite this change, licensing for Hackney Carriages has continued to operate along these historic boundaries.
Under the existing system, taxis licensed in one zone are not permitted to pick up passengers in another zone. Fare tariffs also vary between zones, and taxi drivers are only licensed to work within their designated area unless they apply for additional licences.
The council’s proposed change follows recommendations set out in the Department for Transport’s best practice guidance for taxi and private hire licensing. The move to a single licensing area aims to improve the availability of taxis, increase customer choice, simplify the system, and support a fairer and more efficient regulatory framework.
Residents, drivers and operators are being encouraged to share their views through an online survey, which closes on 31 December 2025.
What removing Cornwall’s taxi zones could mean for local drivers
Plans to remove Cornwall’s six historic taxi zones could bring a shift in how taxi drivers across the county work, with licensing, availability, and competition all set to change if the proposal is approved.
At present, Hackney Carriage drivers are restricted to operating within one of six designated zones. These boundaries, based on former district councils, have remained in place despite Cornwall Council becoming a single authority over 15 years ago. Drivers can only pick up passengers in the zone they are licensed in, unless they hold a second licence for another area. This system has created a patchwork of operating rules and fare tariffs across the county.
A move to a single licensing area would remove these limits, allowing drivers to pick up fares anywhere in Cornwall. For some, this could open new business opportunities, especially in areas where demand fluctuates seasonally or where shortages currently exist. It could also reduce the need for multiple licences and simplify regulatory compliance.
However, some drivers are likely to have concerns about increased competition. Areas that were previously protected by zone boundaries may see an influx of out-of-area vehicles, potentially affecting earnings. There may also be worries about over-supply in busier zones, particularly during peak tourism periods.
Cornwall Council has said the changes are aimed at improving customer access to taxis and creating a more consistent service. If the proposal moves forward, it will also likely trigger a review of fare structures, enforcement processes, and how demand is managed across the wider region.
