Shropshire residents and taxi drivers have until 28 June 2026 to share their views on how local taxi and private hire services should operate over the next five years. Shropshire Council is currently holding a public consultation regarding its licensing policy for 2027 to 2031, which aims to set new standards for safety and service quality across the county.
The proposed changes, which would take effect on 1 April 2027, include tighter rules on who can hold a driver or operator licence to ensure they are considered a fit and proper person. The council is also asking for feedback on whether to make security cameras and contactless payment machines mandatory in all licensed vehicles to improve passenger safety and convenience.
The review comes as the local taxi trade faces ongoing financial pressures. Many drivers have expressed concerns over rising costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance premiums. These financial challenges are also highlighted by a disparity in licensing fees between local authorities. For example, a three-year driver licence currently costs £341 in Shropshire, while the same licence is available for £156 through Wolverhampton City Council. This price difference has led some drivers to move their licensing to the neighbouring area.
Other points of discussion in the policy review include vehicle age limits, with the council stating that current restrictions on vehicle age for standard private hire remain appropriate. The consultation follows a period of high activity for the licensing department, which processed over 2,000 applications between September 2025 and January 2026.
Feedback gathered during the 12-week consultation period will be reviewed by the Strategic Licensing Committee. Residents and those working in the industry can find more information and participate in the survey through the official council consultation page.
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