Stratford on Avon Taxi and Private Hire Licensing

2027 - 2032 Draft Policy

The Licensing Authority for Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been given approval to commence a 12 week consulting on its new Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy to gather views from licence holders, stakeholders, residents, businesses and other interested parties before the policy is finalised.

The consultation will commence on 28 September 2026 and will close on 21 December 2026, providing sufficient opportunity for interested parties to review the draft policy and submit comments.

The purpose of the consultation is to ensure that those affected by the policy have the opportunity to contribute their views, helping the Council to develop a robust, transparent and effective Taxi Licensing Policy that reflects legislative requirements, best practice and local needs. Responses received during the consultation period will be considered and used to inform the final policy presented for adoption through the democratic process.

The new draft policy can be viewed here: Draft Taxi Licensing Policy 2027

In summary the new policy aims to improve standards for licensed drivers, vehicles and operators, while providing clearer, more concise information for both the public and the trade.

The new taxi and private hire policy includes:

• Guidance to applicants and existing licence holders.
• Expectations for drivers, operators and proprietors of vehicles and passengers.
• Conditions attached to any licence granted.
• Guidance and expectations regarding accessibility duties under the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 and the Equality Act 2010.
• Clarifying requirements for medical exemptions and assistance dogs.
• Introducing regular safeguarding and disability awareness training.
• Providing guidance on the carriage of children under 3's.
• Clarifying requirements and expectations for CCTV, dashcams, satnavs, phones, PDAs and app-based systems in licensed vehicles.
• Updating enforcement provisions, including a new 'Conviction and Cautions Policy' to guide Officers, Applicants and the Licensing Panel when considering or determining applications.
• Requiring drivers to subscribe to the DBS Update Service to enable more frequent checks.
• Banning vaping in licensed vehicles, in the same way as smoking.
• Changes relating to the minimum and maximum age of a vehicle within the policy to encourage cleaner vehicles whilst giving proprietors flexibility in their choices.

The Council would like to hear from anyone who uses taxis and private hire vehicles or who may be affected by any of the proposed changes.

To make a formal comment on the policy please email vikki.goodman@stratford-dc.gov.uk directly.