Westmorland and Furness Council has unveiled a draft Taxi Licensing Policy aimed at delivering consistent, high-quality taxi and private hire services across the region — ensuring residents, workers, and visitors enjoy safe, reliable, and professional journeys wherever they travel.
The proposed policy marks a major step in harmonising licensing standards following the 2023 Local Government Reorganisation, which merged four former councils into a single authority. As a result, taxi drivers and operators currently follow different regulations depending on whether they work in Eden, Furness, or South Lakeland.
Under the new proposal, the council aims to introduce a single set of rules for all drivers, vehicles, and operators — raising standards, cutting emissions, and supporting environmental sustainability.
Key proposed changes
Removal of operating zones
Hackney Carriage drivers would no longer be restricted to operating in specific zones. Instead, all licensed drivers could work anywhere across Westmorland and Furness, increasing flexibility and availability of services for passengers.
Dual licence system
Drivers would be able to operate both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles under a single “dual licence” for one fee — reducing costs and simplifying the application process.
No vehicle age limits
Unlike current policies in Eden and South Lakeland, the new system would not restrict vehicles by age. Instead, it would focus on emissions and safety performance, aligning with the council’s environmental goals.
Euro 6 emissions standard
From April 2026, any new vehicle not previously licensed must meet Euro 6 standards, ensuring lower emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates. Existing drivers will have a grace period of up to three years to upgrade vehicles.
Enhanced vehicle testing
Taxis over eight years old would require up to three MOTs per year to maintain high safety and roadworthiness standards.
Safeguarding and medical checks
Enhanced DBS checks will remain mandatory for all drivers, with medical assessments required every three years — or annually for those aged 65 and over.
New restricted licence for school and care contracts
The council also plans to introduce a restricted private hire licence at a lower cost, designed for drivers undertaking school transport or social care work on behalf of the council. This aims to boost driver availability for essential community transport services.
Council statement
Cllr John Murray, Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, said:
“Taxis and private hire vehicles are a vital part of our local transport network, especially in rural areas where public transport options may be limited.
This unified policy is an important step in bringing together the different systems we inherited through Local Government Reorganisation. By creating one consistent policy, we’re raising expectations for safety, quality and environmental performance — supporting professional drivers and improving the passenger experience.”
Community consultation
A six-week community conversation is now underway, inviting taxi drivers, operators, residents, and businesses to share feedback on the proposed changes — including views on how they might affect the trade and what a realistic transition period should look like.
Drop-in sessions will take place at:
- Barrow Library: 13 Oct (12:30–5pm) & 20 Oct (9:30am–1:30pm)
- Kendal Library: 15 Oct & 17 Oct (12:30–5pm)
- Penrith Library: 16 Oct (12:30–5pm) & 27 Oct (9:30am–5pm)
- The Coro, Ulverston: 21 Oct (9:30am–1:30pm)
- Windermere Library: 14 Oct (9:30am–1:30pm)
Feedback from the consultation will be presented to Cabinet in January 2026. If approved, the new policy will officially come into effect in April 2026.
Have your say
Drivers, operators, and residents can take part by completing the online survey or collecting a paper copy from Barrow Town Hall, Kendal Town Hall, or Voreda House in Penrith.
👉 Read the draft Taxi Licensing Policy and take part in the consultation here
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