Canterbury Council to consult on revised taxi and private hire licence fees
Canterbury City Council is inviting feedback on proposed changes to taxi and private hire licence fees as part of its draft budget for 2025/26. If implemented, the revised charges would come into effect from 1 April 2025.
Key changes include an increase in initial and renewal fees for both hackney carriage and private hire vehicles. The proposed fees for a new taxi licence would rise to £466.96, while a new private hire vehicle licence would cost £347.83. Renewal fees are set to be £303.90 and £295.00, respectively.
Drivers are also set to see adjustments. The initial one-year taxi or dual driver licence fee is proposed at £301.21, with a three-year licence increasing to £476.05. Private hire drivers would face similar rates, with a three-year licence priced at £472.34. Renewals are set to be £97.72 for a one-year taxi or dual licence and £272.55 for three years.
Special provisions for vehicles using electric or alternative fuel are included. An electric taxi licence is proposed at £161.62, slightly less than the fee for petrol or diesel vehicles. LPG or CNG-powered private hire vehicles would be subject to the same charge as electric models.
Additional fees, such as £122.91 for exceptional condition inspections and £75.19 for taxi meter tests, are also proposed. Knowledge tests for new drivers would remain at £90.24 per test.
Operators of private hire fleets would see costs of £66.38 per vehicle for a two-year licence or £165.91 for five years. Miscellaneous charges, such as £45.13 for external vehicle plates and £7.89 for replacement driver badges, are outlined in full within the proposal.
The council is accepting comments on the proposed changes until Monday, 6 January 2025. Feedback will be reviewed by councillors early in the year, with final fees to be confirmed in February 2025.
Residents and industry stakeholders can view the full list of proposed fees at the council offices on Rose Lane, Canterbury, during business hours. Submissions can be made in writing or via email to the licensing officers listed in the notice.
