DRIVER FEARS OVER NEW FOREST LICENSING

Proposed changes to New Forest District Council’s taxi licensing policy could force drivers out of business, local drivers have claimed.

The council is currently running a consultation into changes to its policy, including the application process, ages of vehicles, DBS checks and signage.

But one driver told local newspapers the proposals could “wipe out” 75% of taxis in the area due to the increased costs.

The biggest proposed change relates to the age of vehicles used by drivers. The council wants all petrol and diesel cars to be less than five years old at the first time of licensing, while all hybrid vehicles must be less than seven years old.

From January 1, 2026, it is proposed that only vehicles less than 10 years old will have licenses renewed, unless they are fully electric vehicles, which would be would be exempt from age limits.

But operators of wheelchair-accessible vehicles are not exempt from the changes, and they want to be able to use their vehicles for longer, given the cost of replacement. One driver said: “If these new proposals are implemented it would require small operators to invest not only in a new vehicle but a new disabled vehicle – which costs around £80,000. I wouldn’t be able to carry on.”

In a report New Forest District Council said the changes were intended “to ensure that NFDC does not have a policy favouring vehicles older than other neighbouring authorities”. A spokesperson said: “This is the first major review of our taxi policy for some years and will incorporate revised statutory guidance, together with increased checks on drivers to ensure their continued fitness and propriety.”

If the new policy is approved, six-monthly DBS checks will be carried out instead of the current three-yearly checks. The authority says this is to ensure it is aware of any new convictions that may have occurred during the period of the license.

A dress code could also be introduced along with self-adhesive identification signage to the rear passenger doors. The consultation ends on April 15.