Peterborough City Council has opened its Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy consultation. The survey runs from Monday 9 November 2026 until midday on Friday 18 December 2026. Residents, visitors, licensed drivers, vehicle proprietors, private hire operators, businesses and partner organisations can reply.
The draft would cover 2026 to 2031 and update the 2022 policy. The Licensing Committee agreed on 8 October 2026 to consult. Replies will be reported back to that committee before a final policy goes to full council, which would also confirm when any changes start. All of the proposals remain subject to that process.
Vehicle age, tests and operators
Zero-emission vehicles would have a maximum licensing age of 18 years. The ultra-low-emission category would be replaced by categories for mild, full and plug-in hybrids, and the maximum carbon dioxide emissions limit would be removed. A review of the approved hackney carriage list would look at a wider choice of modern, affordable vehicles.
Testing would move from a certificate of compliance to a DVSA MOT, with Aragon kept as the priority site. A limited number of other DVSA-authorised MOT centres could be appointed, subject to procurement and council standards, to improve appointment availability. The rule that specified repairs after a critical failure must be completed within one month would go. Part 1 and Part 2 notices inside licensed vehicles would also go where another way of identifying the vehicle is already available.
Every new and renewal private hire operator application would face financial checks. Safeguarding measures would follow the Department for Transport's statutory standards. The questions also cover passenger safety, accessibility, service availability, costs for drivers and operators, and environmental performance.