14.6 - It is proposed that the maximum vehicle age for new Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles to be licensed, be decreased from 4 years to 3 years. There is also the removal of the maximum mileage of 50,000 miles, so any mileage will be accepted.

The implementation of licensing only new 100% Electric vehicles is proposed from 1 May 2030, this is in line with the Governments deadline for abolishing the production of petrol and diesel cars.

Any existing vehicle licence holder, where the vehicle was licensed as either a Hackney Carriage, or a Private Hire vehicle before the 12 May 2022, can continue to licence that vehicle up to a maximum of 10 years old.

Any new licensed vehicles which are licensed after 12 May 2022, can only be licensed up to a maximum of 8 years old. This is a reduction of 2 years on the existing age policy.

14.7 - The Taxi Policy will be reviewed in 2027 in relation to 100% Electric vehicles. The start date of 1 May 2030 for only new 100% Electric vehicles being licensed, will be reviewed to ensure that the charging infrastructure is in place in Torbay, and/if alternative fuel sources have come onto the market which could be considered for licensing.

14.26 – The vehicle compliance test in relation to a vehicles age has been reduced from 4 years to 3 years in line with the vehicles age limit policy. This means that any vehicle over 3 years old will now require an annual compliance test, instead of at 4 years.

14.55 – It is proposed that all Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle owners, will require Public Liability insurance as well as the normal insurance cover. The minimum amount of cover is £5 million.

14.56 – All Hackney Carriage vehicles must now be able to take card payments. It is proposed that drivers/owners will have until 30 September 2022 to ensure a payment device is available.

No minimum card payment can be specified when taking a card payment.

This has been introduced to ensure drivers are not breaking the law by refusing a Hackney Carriage fare by not being able to take a card payment.

Appendix D – Luggage – It is proposed to remove the minimum 430 litre boot space requirement. This will allow more vehicle types to become licensed.

Appendix D – Doors – The wording in relation to ‘Direct access to and from seats’ has been removed, which will then allow 6-seater vehicles back onto the fleet. This provides clarity for owners of 8 seater vehicles, where in some cases seats have to be moved.