The Licensing Committee of Doncaster Council met on Thursday 25 June 2026 to discuss proposed changes to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. The primary focus of the meeting was to consider the outcomes of a 12-week public consultation on these proposed amendments.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy Consultation

The main item scheduled for discussion was the outcome of a 12-week public consultation regarding proposed amendments to the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. This policy governs the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles within Doncaster. The consultation aimed to ensure the council's policy aligns with Department for Transport guidance and reflects local views.

The report pack indicated that 545 responses were received, with 53.4% from the trade (drivers and operators) and 44% from the public. Key areas of discussion and potential policy changes identified during the consultation included:

• Driver References: A proposal to remove the requirement for character references for new driver applicants was put forward. The report suggested that these references offered little value and often caused delays in processing applications. While the trade showed a slight preference for removing references, the public favoured retaining them.
• Medical Fitness: The consultation explored increasing the frequency of medical assessments for drivers. The existing policy required a Group 2 standard medical certificate on first application, then at five-year intervals from age 45, and annually from age 65. Two options for amendment were presented: one requiring a medical at every licence renewal (regardless of age), and another requiring it at each renewal (every three years) until age 65, then annually. The public strongly favoured more frequent medical checks, particularly the option of a medical at every renewal, while the trade largely preferred to keep the existing policy.
• Hearing Loops: A proposal was made to require the installation of 'hearing loops' in all vehicles fitted with a partition separating the driver from passengers. This aims to support passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The report noted that all Hackney Carriage vehicles in Doncaster are required to have partitions, and many already have communication systems. Private Hire vehicles are permitted partitions, but they are less common. The trade showed a preference for keeping the existing policy, while the public strongly favoured the amendment.
• Vehicle Testing: The consultation considered changes to vehicle testing procedures. The existing policy requires vehicles to be tested at the council's own testing station. Proposals included allowing mechanical testing at any DVSA-approved MOT centre, with a separate compliance test at the council's station, or allowing both mechanical and compliance testing at council-approved DVSA centres. Both the trade and the public showed a preference for amending the policy, with a majority favouring the option of council-approved DVSA testing centres.
• Daily Vehicle Compliance Checks: A proposal was made to introduce a mandatory requirement for drivers to undertake and record daily vehicle compliance checks. The report highlighted that this aligns with best practice guidance and aims to improve passenger safety. The public strongly supported this amendment, while the trade overwhelmingly favoured retaining the existing policy of no mandatory checks.
• Vehicle Write-offs: The policy regarding the licensing of vehicles that have been categorised as insurance write-offs (Categories S or N) was reviewed. The existing policy allowed these vehicles to be licensed if a satisfactory roadworthy inspection report was provided. The proposed amendment aimed to prevent any vehicle categorised as a write-off from being licensed for initial grant or renewal, with a grace period for existing licensed vehicles. The trade strongly favoured keeping the existing policy, while the public favoured revising it, particularly the option to prevent all write-offs from being licensed.
• Tinted Glass: The consultation considered revising the policy to allow Hackney Carriage vehicles to have manufacturer-fitted tinted glass (rear of the 'B pillar'), aligning them with Private Hire vehicle specifications. The existing policy required higher light ingress, often necessitating replacement of manufacturer-fitted glass. The public strongly favoured revising the policy, while the trade showed a slight preference for keeping the existing policy.
• Private Hire Vehicle Signage: A proposal was made to remove the requirement for door signs to display operator details, aligning with best practice guidance. Instead, vehicles would display a council-issued sign indicating they are licensed, are Private Hire, and must be pre-booked. The trade showed a preference for revising the policy, while the public favoured keeping the existing requirement.
• CCTV: The consultation sought views on introducing mandatory CCTV in licensed vehicles. The report noted that CCTV can enhance safety for both drivers and passengers, deterring and identifying perpetrators. However, it also acknowledged concerns about cost and privacy. Public respondents strongly supported mandatory CCTV in all licensed vehicles, while trade respondents were divided, with a significant portion favouring voluntary installation due to cost concerns. There was broad agreement between the trade and the public that if CCTV were made mandatory, it should be implemented over an extended, phased period. The cost of installation was a significant concern for the trade.
• Vehicle Emissions Limits: The consultation explored introducing mandatory exhaust emission limits, such as Euro 6 standards, for licensed vehicles. The report highlighted the environmental benefits but also the significant cost implications for vehicle owners. The public strongly supported introducing emission limits, while the trade were largely opposed, preferring the limits to apply only to new vehicles. Both groups showed support for a phased introduction if limits were implemented.

The report pack also included detailed summaries of free-text responses from both the trade and the public, providing further context on their views regarding these proposed policy changes. The meeting was scheduled to consider these consultation responses and determine whether to amend the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy as recommended by officers.