Why taxi drivers are pushing back against the additional penalty points licensing scheme
Cumberland Council’s draft Taxi and Private Hire Policy, set to be finalised in January 2025, includes a new penalty points system specifically for taxi licences. The scheme, designed to raise standards and improve accountability, is not the first of its kind in the industry, and neither is the response from drivers, who view the changes as an extra regulatory burden in an already highly controlled industry.
Looking at the industry as a whole, the core of the controversy is that the penalty systems are separate from the national DVLA points scheme, meaning it applies solely to taxi licences rather than drivers’ overall records.
Under this scheme, local licensing officers would assign points to a taxi driver’s licence for various infractions, such as vehicle safety issues or breaches of conduct. The authority could argue that this points-based framework would create a consistent measure for driver compliance across the area. However, for many drivers, this adds oversight that feels like a step too far, especially as not all local authorities are enforcing the same kind of scheme.
Taxi drivers argue that their industry already navigates extensive regulation. To maintain their licences, drivers undergo regular vehicle safety inspections, medical checks, and health and safety compliance. For many in the trade, the introduction of another layer of oversight—this time with the power to assign points specifically to taxi licences—feels excessive. The points system is largely seen by drivers as “red tape” that adds administration and increased scrutiny, which could ultimately dissuade new applicants from joining the profession. For those considering entering the industry, the need to operate under a dual points system, with penalties from both the DVLA and licensing council, may make the profession less attractive.
Current drivers also view the policy as a potential disincentive to remain in the industry. For those operating older vehicles or approaching retirement, the prospect of having to meet additional compliance standards could make licence renewals or vehicle upgrades seem unviable. The fear is that such a policy might create a talent drain, with some experienced drivers choosing to leave the profession rather than face what they view as overregulation.
Fairness and consistency are also major concerns. While most councils have revised the draft policy to ensure that penalty points are only issued through joint decisions by a licensing officer and a senior officer, drivers still worry about the possibility of inconsistent application. They question the subjectivity of certain offences and argue that without stringent guidelines, the system may result in penalties for minor or unclear infractions. For those who rely on their taxi licence as their primary source of income, the risk of losing their licence due to points accumulation is a serious concern.
While the points system is ultimately designed to improve standards, the pushback from some within the industry reflects broader worries about the impact of increased regulatory pressure.
