West Suffolk Council poised to review dropping all taxi age limits completely following trade forum discussion
West Suffolk Council is set to review its taxi licensing policy next week, with a proposal to remove all vehicle age limits for taxis. The move follows a request from a local driver at the council’s newly established taxi trade forum.
Under current policy, which was adopted in 2022, taxis and private hire vehicles cannot be more than 15 years old from April this year. However, electric and zero-emission vehicles are already exempt. The rule was originally introduced to phase out older, more polluting vehicles and encourage a cleaner fleet.
The driver’s request was based on updated guidance from the Department for Transport (DfT), which advises that imposing a blanket age limit may not be the best approach. Instead, the DfT recommends managing emissions through regular vehicle testing rather than setting arbitrary age restrictions.
Following the forum, Councillor Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Governance, Regulatory and Environment, confirmed that the council would not enforce the age limit while an amendment is considered. He will present the proposed change to the Cabinet next Tuesday, where a decision is expected.
The introduction of driver and operator forums has been part of the council’s wider efforts to improve engagement with the trade. These meetings provide a platform for drivers to raise concerns and keep up to date with regulatory changes.
If approved, the policy shift would reflect national guidance and could make it easier for drivers to transition to electric vehicles.
Cllr Kelly said: “As the licensing authority with a responsibility to our communities, and to economic growth, we want many of the same things as the trade.
“We want the taxi trade to thrive. We want people to feel and be safe, and to be confident both with the driver and the vehicle, and the taxi service as a profession.
“We want people of all ages and abilities to be able to access taxis and to feel like they are getting the same high standards of service that many drivers undoubtedly pride themselves on.
“And we want to work with the trade as national changes come in around vehicle emissions including the eventual phasing out of new petrol and diesel cars.
“In all of this, we want to have more of an open dialogue between the council and the trade, to listen and to work collaboratively towards these common aims.
“That’s why I’m delighted that one of our drivers asked for this change at our forum – it’s what it’s there for. I will be asking Cabinet to agree the change next week and through listening and delivering change, I hope we will encourage more drivers and operators to take part in the forum.”
