Review of the Joint Taxi Licensing Policy 2026

The councils consulted drivers, proprietors, operators and the public on the Joint Taxi Licensing Policy consultation from Tuesday 20 January until 11:59pm on Tuesday 10 March 2026. The Councils have a responsibility to ensure the policy remains current and compliant with legislation, and we aim to review it at least every five years. As part of this review, amendments were proposed to various sections of the policy, including minor clarifications and updates to reflect changes in guidance from central government.

A total of 131 responses were received, with 46 per cent being from individuals/members of the public.

 The consultation asked respondents for their feedback on the following:

 Proposed changes specific to South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse

 88 respondents provided 177 comments, and the most frequently mentioned topics included feedback on the revised target for zero emission vehicles from 2030 to 2045, mandatory acceptance of card/mobile payments and general comments on the climate and health impacts contributed by taxi drivers.

 Changes from the Department for Transport (DfT) Best Practice Guidance

76 respondents provided 78 comments, many of which raised concerns towards the tinted windows proposal, which proposed an increase in the level of permitted tint to 30% of light transmission, this was previously 70%. Other feedback included the removal of requirement for a fire extinguisher in a licensed vehicle and vehicle daily condition checks.

 Policy amendments which relate to changes already made to how we work and guidance on existing legislation

66 respondents provided 143 comments. Key topics included the proposal that drivers must have held a DVLA licence for at least 12 months to commence the application process, and in relation to the added condition to the policy for operator booking staff to have passed the relevant disability awareness and safeguarding training.

You can find out more about the comments received and view the full consultation report and the consultation report appendix.

All the comments have been reviewed, and an officer has provided a response where required which is available to view in the consultation report appendix. In response to some of the comments received, a few minor changes were made to encourage licence holders to continue to take cash payments, and to suggest they advise anyone booking a journey if they do not accept cash payment, and to make it clearer that vehicles with an exemption from the requirement to display taxi plate are also exempt from the tinted windows criteria.

The consultation report along with a final version of the proposed taxi licensing policy was shared with the General Licensing Committees in June 2026. The results were considered and were discussed at the committee meetings. The policy was adopted with effect from 17 June 2026.