ONE OR THE OTHER: North Yorkshire Council proposes taxi drivers must choose either an electric or WAV taxi by 2030

Image credit: North Yorkshire Council

North Yorkshire Council is set to consider significant updates to its taxi licensing policy, aiming to make services more inclusive and environmentally friendly.

The proposed changes, which will be reviewed by the General Licensing and Registration Committee on 3 September, could lead to a mandatory requirement for new hackney carriage vehicles to be either Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) or Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs).

The move follows the council's formation on 1 April 2023, when a single policy incorporating Department for Transport guidance was introduced. However, further improvements are now being sought to ensure taxi services meet the needs of all residents, particularly those requiring WAVs.

A newly drafted Inclusive Service Plan (ISP) will accompany the updated policy. This plan is designed to enhance accessibility, address non-compliance issues, and educate drivers on the legal rights of disabled passengers. Research has identified a gap in the availability of WAVs across the region, prompting the council to take action.

Currently, there is no requirement for hackney carriages to be wheelchair accessible, a situation the council aims to rectify. Despite previous incentives, such as waiving licence fees and relaxing age limits for WAVs, their numbers have remained static.

If the proposals are approved, new licensing requirements would be phased in from 1 April 2025 for new vehicles and 1 January 2030 for existing ones. This timeline would be set to allow current licence holders ample time to transition to compliant vehicles.

These changes will be limited to hackney carriages, with private hire vehicles unaffected. Additionally, the council is responding to trade requests by introducing new emission standards, revising vehicle testing frequency, and offering drivers the chance to apply for specific types of licences.

The committee's recommendations will be presented to the council's executive on 17 September. Should the executive approve, a 12-week public consultation will follow, allowing residents and stakeholders to share their views on the proposed changes via the council’s website.

Cllr Greg White, Executive Member for Licensing, said: "We remain committed to ensuring the availability of an accessible and affordable taxi service across North Yorkshire, especially for those who are particularly reliant on it as a means of travel.

"In the past, we have explored other incentives to increase the number of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. However, the number in North Yorkshire remains steady, so we are proposing to take a bold step and require all new applications for hackney carriages to be either a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle or Zero-Emission Vehicle, along with a phasing out period for existing vehicles.

"This new approach, along with our Inclusive Service Plan, shows that we’re serious about improving services, which are invaluable to so many in our community to assist in just living their everyday lives, getting to work, medical appointments, education or meeting up with friends."

Cllr White added: "At the time of adoption, we knew there were further adjustments we could make to the policy. These improvements help us provide a service that is both fair to the trade and also ensure the ongoing provision of safe and accessible hackney carriage and private hire vehicles for customers." 

Cllr Tim Grogan, Chair of the General Licensing and Registration Committee, said: “The licensing policy is never static, it is always changing, being interpreted or redefined. The committee understands this and will robustly debate the issues raised in order to improve our hackney carriage and private hire service.”