Cornwall Council has opened a consultation on whether to scrap the six separate taxi zones that currently govern Hackney Carriages in the county.
The council, which licences taxis, private hire vehicles, operators, and drivers, says the system has remained unchanged since Cornwall became a single authority in 2009. The zones are based on the boundaries of the old district councils: Penwith, Kerrier, Carrick, Restormel, North Cornwall, and Caradon.
How the system works now
At present, a Hackney Carriage licensed in one of these areas cannot legally pick up passengers in another zone. Fare tariffs also vary depending on the district, and drivers can only operate within their licensed zone unless they hold more than one taxi licence.
This arrangement, the council says, is “legacy legislation” that is increasingly at odds with how the industry and communities work today.
Why change the rules?
The government’s guidance on taxi and private hire licensing encourages local authorities to remove outdated zoning systems. Cornwall Council believes that moving to a single licensing area could:
- Make services simpler and easier for passengers to understand
- Improve taxi availability and customer choice across Cornwall
- Create a fairer and more efficient system for drivers and operators
What’s being proposed?
The proposal is to replace the six zones with one unified taxi area covering the whole of Cornwall.
This would mean that:
- Hackney Carriages could pick up passengers anywhere in the county
- Fares would be standardised across Cornwall
- The licensing system would be streamlined for drivers and operators
Have your say
Cornwall Council is urging passengers, drivers, operators, and residents to share their views. A short online survey has been launched and will remain open until 31 December 2025.
The council says feedback will play a key role in shaping the future of taxi services in Cornwall.
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