PRIVATE hire and chauffeur operators could face tougher financial checks when applying for or renewing their licences under proposed changes to licensing regulations in Peterborough.
Peterborough City Council is reviewing its Taxi and Private Hire Policy for 2026–2031, with plans to introduce greater scrutiny of operators’ financial circumstances, revised vehicle age limits and changes to vehicle testing requirements.
The proposals, approved for public consultation by the council’s Licensing Committee on 8 October, form part of a wider effort to strengthen regulation, improve passenger safety and encourage the transition towards cleaner vehicles.
One of the most significant proposals would introduce financial checks for all new and renewing private hire operator licences.
The checks could require businesses to demonstrate sufficient financial stability to meet their obligations, particularly when delivering passenger transport contracts.
They are also intended to help authorities identify potential risks associated with money laundering and organised crime.
For smaller chauffeur companies and independent operators, the additional requirements could introduce another layer of administration when renewing licences.
The council is also considering revised vehicle licensing rules designed to encourage investment in cleaner transport.
Under the proposals, zero-emission vehicles could remain eligible for licensing until they reach 18 years old, potentially providing a longer operating life for electric vehicles.
This could benefit chauffeur businesses investing in expensive electric executive saloons and luxury vehicles, where the ability to spread acquisition costs over a longer period is an important commercial consideration.
However, the council is also considering removing existing protections for certain older licensed vehicles, known as ‘grandfather rights’, which could require some operators to replace vehicles sooner than anticipated.
Changes to vehicle testing arrangements are also being examined, including the possibility of introducing additional approved MOT testing centres to improve appointment availability and reduce delays.
The Peterborough Private Hire Association has expressed concerns about elements of the proposals, including potential restrictions on older petrol and diesel vehicles and the financial implications for smaller operators.
The association has also questioned whether new financial and credit checks could unfairly disadvantage businesses operating on a smaller scale.
Peterborough City Council says the revised policy is intended to reflect developments in national licensing standards, including recommendations following the Baroness Casey Review.
Councillor Christian Hogg, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Enforcement, said the authority wanted a robust and up-to-date framework to protect drivers, operators and passengers.
The council has approved a one-month consultation to allow drivers, operators, trade representatives and members of the public to comment before a final policy is considered.
Although the proposed changes apply specifically to Peterborough, they highlight the growing regulatory and financial scrutiny facing the wider private hire industry.
For professional chauffeur operators, the proposals underline the importance of monitoring local licensing requirements, particularly when planning vehicle investment and future business operations.
The proposals remain subject to consultation and have not yet been introduced as licensing requirements.