The Environment and Community Protection Committee has approved a draft Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Statement of Licensing Policy for 2027 to 2032 for a six-week public consultation. The committee met at 5pm on Thursday 29 October 2026 in the council chamber at County Hall, Newport. The draft is not in force.
The County Press reported that islanders will be asked about a new code of conduct for licensed drivers, and about raising the minimum period a new applicant must have held a full driving licence from one year to three. Safeguarding training would be expanded, and the draft includes more extensive provisions for drug and alcohol testing. The code would not create new criminal offences. Compliance with it may be considered when the council decides whether someone remains a fit and proper person to hold a licence.
The agreed consultation will be sent to all hackney carriage and private hire licence holders, councillors, town and parish councils, the police, school transport and disability groups, and advertised on the council website. A report will then be considered by the licensing committee and submitted to the Environment and Community Protection Committee before the policy can be approved.