Isle of Wight proposes stricter taxi driver licensing rules

Summarised from Isle of Wight County Press's report · Updated 22 Oct, 15:58 · Archive

The Isle of Wight Council is proposing new rules for taxi drivers including a three-year driving licence requirement.

The Isle of Wight Council is proposing significant changes to its taxi licensing rules. The environment and community protection committee will consider the draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Statement of Licensing Policy 2027–2032 at a meeting on 29 October, with the aim of supporting the provision of safe, licensed drivers and vehicles.

Key changes include increasing the minimum driving licence requirement from one year to three years, introducing expanded safeguarding training and more comprehensive drug and alcohol testing provisions. A new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver Code of Conduct would set clear standards of behaviour and professionalism, requiring drivers to respond professionally to complaints, avoid unnecessary confrontation and act responsibly when using social media. While the code does not create new criminal offences, the council may consider compliance with it when assessing whether an individual remains a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

The policy is expected to go out for a six-week consultation following committee approval.

Read the report

• Taxi drivers face new code of conduct under council planThe code of conduct includes rules such as responding professionally to complaints and acting responsibly when using social media.Isle of Wight County Press · 22 Oct, 11:43

In this story: Isle of Wight Council · Isle of Wight

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