We are asking
Fareham Borough Council undertake licensing of hackney carriages and private hire vehicles, drivers and operators within the Borough.
The document issued to applicants and licence holders and published on our website has always been called the Taxi and Private Hire Handbook. We propose to rename this document to the Taxi and Private Hire Licensing policy and make some changes to its contents.
A summary of the proposed changes can be found in the link provided.
A taxi and private hire licensing policy is crucial for ensuring public safety, accessibility, and compliance with statutory requirements.
If you wish to make any comments relating to the proposed changes, please email: licensing@fareham.gov.uk by 5 January 2026.
For further information, please contact Ian Rickman, Head of Environmental Health at: irickman@fareham.gov.uk
What can you Influence?
The wording and explanation of the policy contents.
What can't you Influence?
The statutory requirements local authorities derive their powers and duties from, and whether the proposed changes are approved.
You said
A six week consultation took place between 24 November 2025 - 5 January 2026. During the consultation, there were six consultation responses received. Five responses are from the trade and one response is from a member of the public.
The one response from the public centres around the Knowledge Test, and the absence of a topographical requirement for private hire drivers.
In response to this question raised regarding whether private hire vehicle driver licence applicants should undergo a topographical test, the respondent was advised that statutory guidance specifically states that this should not be a licence requirement. This has therefore not been included in the policy.
View the trade responses here
We did
The Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Commitee reviewed the consultation responses and revised Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy at it's meeting on 2 February 2026.
No changes were made to the policy following the consultation.
View the full Commitee Report