Consultation on taxi vehicle safety
In response to concerns about mechanical standards in taxis in Pendle, we proposed daily vehicle checks in line with Government guidance and suggested an innovative way of doing that via an online app.
In December 2024 the rollout of the app was paused to allow further discussions with the taxi trade.
A working group, including four trade representatives and three councillors, proposed changes to the Taxi Licensing Policy to improve vehicle safety.
View the draft Taxi Licensing Policy
Proposals
a) Section 4.8 Vehicle Age Limits – existing vehicles continue until their twelve year age limit; existing and new euro 6, hybrid, electric (EVs) or wheelchair accessible vehicles will have no age limit and any new vehicle application will only be accepted for euro 6, hybrid, electric (EV’s) or wheelchair accessible vehicles.
b) Section 4.10 Testing and Frequency – an annual MOT will be required which can be issued from any garage and a six month MOT for any vehicles over 6 years old. Any vehicle less than 6 years old which fails an MOT on any dangerous or major items will require an MOT every 6 months.
c) Section 4.11 Roadworthiness and Maintenance of Vehicle – the vehicle proprietor (with the exception of hire car companies) with three failures of any MOT classified dangerous or major items, over a rolling two-year period will be brought before the Taxi Licensing Committee.
d) Section Vehicle Spot Checks – for a vehicle failing the spot check on any MOT classified dangerous or major items, the driver will have their licence suspended for a period of two week on the first occasion, four weeks on the second occasion and brought before the Taxi Licensing Committee on the third occasion, over a rolling two-year period.
The 50% failure rule for private hire operators be removed.
e) Section 4.13 Daily Vehicle Checks – daily vehicle checks will be required either by an approved App. or a paper check. Failure to carry out a check; comply with what is recorded on the check or lying or being untruthful will result in the driver having their licence suspended as set out in (d) above.
f) Section 5.9 Knowledge Test – the local area section will be removed from the test.
g) Accident Damage Vehicles - The vehicle may be insurance category S (formerly Cat C) or category N (formerly Cat D), provided the vehicle has been repaired and an MOT test passed. An independent engineer’s report will be required before the vehicle is licensed. Applications from insurance category A or B will be prohibited.
h) Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Signage – on either the front or rear nearside and offside doors of the vehicle a sign will be displayed incorporating the licence number, pre-booking information and how customers can make a complaint to the Council. The signs will be supplied by the Council.
Trading name door signs may still be displayed on either the front or rear nearside and offside doors.
The penalty point scheme has been updated for approval. This is set out at appendix 15 of the draft Taxi Licensing Policy.
Have your say
Read the 2025 Draft Taxi Licensing Policy for full details of the proposals.
To comment on the proposals:
Email: taxi.licensing@pendle.gov.uk
Write to: Assistant Director, Planning & Regulatory Services, Town Hall, Nelson, BB9 7LG
Deadline: 5pm on Wednesday 9 July 2025