Important taxi and private hire updates and news
View the most recent updates and news regarding taxi and private hire.
March 2024
Changes for licensed drivers and vehicles
We are implementing new signs (livery) for drivers and vehicles licensed by us.
These updates include:
- small changes to the shape and design of door signs
- improvements to the quality of materials used for plates and door signs
- more options for plate fixings and holders to suit all vehicle types
Both the new and old designs will be in circulation while we phase out the old design.
- Vehicle licences are valid for 1 year, and we expect to phase out the old style by March 2025
- Driver badges work on a 3 year renewal period, so both styles will be in circulation until March 2027
There are currently no changes to Executive Vehicle licence holders.
Vehicle plates and badges have holograms for authenticity.
Vehicle plates are fitted with an anti-tamper seal.
Example photos of the new signs
View example photos of each of the changes below.
October 2023
Reporting non-paying passengers
Taxi drivers and operators are unsure if they can report an incident to the Police if a passenger makes off without paying at the end of a journey.
There are two types of law that apply to these incidents based on the information the passenger has told or not told the driver. The below explains what is considered a Crime and what is a Civil Matter (not a crime).
| Passenger's actions | If a passenger gets out of the cab and runs off without paying, or tells the driver at the end of the journey that they can’t pay. | If the passenger told the driver during the journey that they did not have the fare and the driver continues with the journey. |
|---|---|---|
| Is it a Crime? | It's a crime under Section 3 of the Theft Act 1978 and it can be reported to the Police. | It's a Civil Matter and the Police will not get involved. |
| Next steps |
Report to Police with as much detail as possible including CCTV, passenger's name and address if you have it. Police cannot confirm any details of the passenger, address or phone number if you are unsure of these. |
No further action can be taken. |
| Precautions recommended |
• Install CCTV in their cabs • Take payment prior to commencing the journey • Take details of the customers for the pre-booked journeys |
• Install CCTV in their cabs • Take payment prior to commencing the journey • Take details of the customers for the pre-booked journeys |
September 2023
Changes to DBS ID Checking
To apply for a DBS, you will need to provide either:
- your original ID documents in person
- copies certified by the Post Office (they charge £12.75 for this service)
Alternatively, Government approved organisations can verify ID documents digitally as part of the online DBS application:
- the full DBS application can be completed with Taxiplus
- you will need to upload a photo or scan of your ID documents and a selfie
Taxiplus charge £5 plus VAT (£6 including VAT) for this service (called 'Delegated IDV').
Taxiplus provide this online service on our behalf. They are not able to verify ID documents in person.
Why the changes are happening
Drivers had to provide original or certified ID documents before the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the pandemic, the DBS service relaxed the rules and accepted electronic copies online.
The DBS service have now confirmed that ID checking should return to pre-covid procedures.
August 2023
Changes to Driver Applications
From Wednesday 16 August 2023 the driver application will change. We will be replacing the 2-part driver application with a single application form.
The consolidation of the forms will simplify the application process for drivers. All documentation required in support of an application can now be provided in this single application at the point of submission.
Drivers who have already submitted a Part 1 application can choose to either continue to Part 2 or apply using the new form.