Draft Taxi and Private Hire Policy

We are consulting on our draft Taxi and Private Hire Policy and would like to hear your views.

Have your say now – read the draft policy and complete the survey by 9am on Monday 11 January 2027.

More information about the consultation can be found below.

Why are we reviewing the policy?

Canterbury City Council licenses and regulates taxi and private hire vehicle services across the district.

The current policy was adopted several years ago and now needs to be refreshed and readopted by council.

Before that can happen, the draft policy must go out for public consultation, and all responses will be considered before a final version is agreed.

The proposed changes

The draft policy is largely the same in format and content as the current one.

The main updates are:

• demonstration of the council’s commitment to the White Ribbon campaign
• a statement that vehicles up to five years old can be licensed without prior approval
• a requirement for all existing and new licence holders to complete Disability Awareness Training
• automatic refusal of any application containing false information or a failure to disclose information, with a notification to the National Register of Taxi Licence Revocations, Refusals and Suspensions (NR3)
• a move to online licence applications
• use of the latest Institute of Licensing guidance
• a new Penalty Points Scheme

Under the proposed scheme, a driver who breaches their licence, for example by not wearing a seatbelt or not displaying their badge, would receive three penalty points.

A driver who reaches 12 points would have their licence reviewed by the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee.

Why are these changes proposed?

The proposed Penalty Points Scheme is intended to provide a clearer and more consistent approach to enforcement.

The proposed requirement for Disability Awareness Training for all new and existing licence holders is intended to support drivers in understanding and meeting the needs of disabled passengers and complying with their obligations under equality legislation.

The proposed reference to the White Ribbon campaign reflects the council’s commitment to helping prevent violence against women and girls and promoting a safe and respectful environment.

Have your say

Read the draft Taxi and Private Hire Policy and share your views by completing our survey by 9am on Monday 11 January 2027.

Need help or an alternative format?

You can download a paper version of the survey if you would like to see the questions before completing it online, or to submit your responses by post.

Paper copies are also available on request:

• Email: consultations@canterbury.gov.uk
• Phone: 01227 862000 (8.45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
• Write: Consultations team, Canterbury City Council, 14 Rose Lane, Canterbury, CT1 2UR

What happens next

No decision has been made.

The results of the consultation will be published on our website and reported to councillors.

The feedback received will be considered before a final decision is made on the adoption of the Taxi and Private Hire Policy.

Published: 19 October 2026