The Licensing Panel of North Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 28 January 2026 and decided that a Hackney Carriage vehicle did not meet the criteria for an exceptional vehicle age policy, meaning its licence will end on 27 December 2025.

Hackney Carriage Vehicle Age Policy

The panel considered whether Hackney Carriage vehicle H637, registration SC57 LVB, owned by Mr Suyfan Sadanand Rao, met the criteria for an exceptional vehicle age policy. The North Northamptonshire Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy¹ states that vehicles will cease to be licensed once they reach 10 or 15 years of age, unless they are deemed to be in exceptional condition. This means the vehicle must be maintained to a very high standard, both mechanically and in its internal and external appearance, upholding the standards of a much younger vehicle.

Mr Rao's vehicle, a Peugeot Expert Blue first registered on 27 December 2007, reached its 10-year age limit on 27 December 2017. His current licence was valid until 27 December 2025. Mr Rao was notified of the impending expiry and the requirement for an exceptional vehicle age policy inspection on 20 November 2025.

Despite reminders and advice, Mr Rao's vehicle failed an exceptional vehicle inspection on 22 December 2025. The report detailed numerous failures, including issues with chassis and bodywork, mechanical condition, interior trims, seats, and headlining. Mr Rao expressed dissatisfaction with the inspection, claiming it was unfair and biased, and that he was not given sufficient time to address minor issues. He also stated he had spent £800 on repairs, including paintwork.

Licensing Manager Russell Howell responded to Mr Rao's complaint, explaining that the exceptional condition requirement is for vehicles maintained to a standard well above routine servicing. He stated that presenting a vehicle with paint chips, dents, torn seat coverings, and a damaged headlining clearly demonstrated a lack of real maintenance. Mr Howell confirmed that the vehicle was not suitable for exceptional vehicle approval and would not be licensed.

Mr Rao was given the option to appeal this decision to the Licensing Panel. He also requested a re-test, which was denied by Licensing Enforcement Officer Rita Groves, who referred him back to Mr Howell's decision and the appeal process. Mr Rao subsequently indicated he would appeal and make a formal complaint.

The panel reviewed the information and, in line with the officer's recommendation, resolved that the vehicle does not meet the exceptional condition criteria as detailed in the North Northamptonshire Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. Consequently, the vehicle licence ended on 27 December 2025.