7 Year Age Limitation Policy for Private Hire Cars

The Licensing and Regulatory Committee has a historic policy that private hire cars when the become 7 years of age since the date of first registration it must be taken out of service and replaced (“7 year Age Limitation Policy”). This 7 year Age Limitation Policy only applies to Private Hire Cars. It does not apply to Taxis.

This 7 year Age Limitation Policy was temporarily relaxed during the Covid -19 pandemic.  On 23 November 2022 the Licensing and Regulatory Committee considered a report from the Director of Legal and Administration in relation to whether the 7 year Age Limitation Policy should be reintroduced. On 23 November 2022 the Licensing and Regulatory Committee agreed:

1. not to reintroduce the 7 year Age Limitation Policy for private hire cars at that time; and
2. instructed the Director of Legal and Administration to undertake a review of the 7 year Age Limitation Policy with a view to the upper age limit being increased.

The Report and Minute from the Licensing and Regulatory Committee meeting can be viewed here