Swindon Council proposes changes to strengthen taxi and private hire licensing standards
Swindon Borough Council is set to introduce key changes to its licensing policy for hackney carriages and private hire vehicles. The proposals aim to improve vehicle testing, adjust driver licensing requirements, and tighten controls on private hire operations.
A revised vehicle testing standard is at the heart of the proposals. The council believes current checks are inconsistent and lack clear criteria. The new standard, developed with the Freight Transport Association and already used by other local authorities, is expected to ensure uniform inspections and higher safety levels.
Changes to driver licensing rules are also on the table. The requirement for private hire drivers to hold a DVLA licence for at least three years will be cut to one year, aligning with statutory regulations. The council argues that drivers are circumventing the current rule by obtaining licences from other authorities while continuing to operate in Swindon. However, hackney carriage drivers will still need three years of experience due to the independent nature of their work.
Another proposed shift concerns the display of licence plates on private hire vehicles. Under the new approach, exemptions will only apply to executive or VIP services and certain government contracts where security is a concern. This would limit the number of vehicles that can operate without visible identification.
Private hire operators will also face a new requirement: they must register with an address or have a base within the borough. This move is intended to align Swindon with best practices seen in other areas, ensuring local accountability.
A premium service for licence applications is also on the agenda. Drivers and operators who submit late renewals will have to use this express service, which will be fee-based but structured to cover costs rather than generate profit. The council sees this as a practical solution to reducing backlogs while maintaining high standards.
The proposals are set to go through a four-week consultation period, with a public meeting planned to engage those affected. If approved, the new policies could take effect as early as May 2025.
