Review of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy 2022

• Emissions: Must meet or exceed Euro 6 emission standards

• Age: Must meet the following:

The above age criteria will also be subject to an ‘exceptional condition criteria’ to enable a degree of flexibility, subject to individual circumstances. This would include the following requirements:

1. The vehicle must not have failed the council’s vehicle inspection (where applicable) or standard MOT on any significant item within the previous five years.
2. In the previous 5 years any MOT advisory in relation to tyres or brakes has been rectified before the vehicle was retested.
3. The vehicle meets or exceeds the vehicle standards contained within the local authority’s policy in relation to vehicle condition.
4. The interior trim, panels, seating and carpets and upholstery are in excellent condition, clean and free from damage and discolouration.
5. The boot or luggage compartment is in good condition, clean and undamaged.
6. Passenger areas are free from damp and any unpleasant odours.

Reason for suggested changes:

The changes to the emission and age of licenced vehicles seek to tie in with the Hertfordshire Climate Change & Sustainability Partnership (HCCSP) Boilerplate Policy. The Boilerplate Policy seeks greater alignment across Hertfordshire. The changes align with the Corporate Framework 2023-2026 which seeks to “take action to mitigate and adopt to the climate emergency” and by reducing emissions this would be a positive step. In addition, the Council’s Climate Emergency & Sustainability Strategy sets out that the council will ‘develop a county wide programme that supports a transition to low-carbon private hire vehicles and taxis'.

Reason for suggested changes:

When considering the national drop in taxi drivers and licenced vehicles, it is recognised that imposing new emission/age standards on vehicles may further decrease the local trade further. In respect of Hackney Carriages drivers, officers are already aware that there is local concern that there is a shortage of drivers or willingness to become a driver and a lack of ranks. As a result, a proposed measure put forward by officers is to relax the current vehicle requirements for Hackney Carriages to allow for saloon vehicles, whereas currently Hackney Carriage vehicles in Three Rivers must be a purpose-built Hackney Carriage (i.e. black cab) and are all fully wheelchair accessible. The proposed measure means that it would be possible that Hackney Carriage drivers would be able to purchase a less expensive vehicle which is also not wheelchair compliant. Given the concerns over wheelchair accessibility, the limited number of ranks and to not flood the black cab trade, a cap will be applied, on a first come first serve basis for up to 3 saloon vehicles. 

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