Teignbridge District Council is updating its hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire licensing policy to strengthen public safety and improve environmental sustainability.
Taxi drivers, private hire operators, passengers, residents and various organisations are now being invited to have their say on the proposed changes. These include clearer expectations around driver suitability and tighter rules on vehicle standards, emissions and record keeping.
A public consultation into the revised Teignbridge District Council Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy launched today (Friday 26 June) and runs until Noon on Friday 7 August.
Although the existing hackney carriage and private hire policy has been updated over time to reflect legislative changes, this is the first full review of the hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy for more than 15 years.
The draft hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy brings together legal requirements, national standards and best practice guidance and local licensing conditions to support clearer decisions, enforcement and public protection while keeping requirements proportionate for drivers and operators.
Proposed changes include:
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clearer expectations around driver suitability, including knowledge and language proficiency tests;
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mandatory training on safeguarding, disability awareness and county lines;
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tighter rules on vehicle standards, emissions and record-keeping;
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daily vehicle checks by drivers and six-monthly vehicle inspections;
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a requirement for drivers to show they predominantly operate within the Teignbridge area; and;
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new provisions covering CCTV and horse-drawn carriages.
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To view the draft hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy and take part in the consultation, visit: Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy - Teignbridge District Council.
Feedback will be reviewed and incorporated, where agreed, into the final hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy before it is considered for approval by full council later this year.

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