Taxi licensing policy and conditions consultation

Overview

Walsall’s taxi licensing policy is getting a refresh to keep standards high and passengers safe. Our new draft policy aims to make journeys safer, with clear procedures and standards for everyone.

Whether you are a passenger, road user or work in the trade, we want to hear your opinions about issues such as:

• vehicle age
• frequency of vehicle tests
• vehicle identification
• suitability of vehicles

Proposed changes

Our top priority is keeping people safe. We set high standards for vehicles and proprietors to do this.

We're adopting government guidance and recommendations, and making some minor changes to existing licence conditions to make vehicles safer and standards more consistent.

The changes we're proposing include:

• removing the need for private hire vehicles to carry a first aid kit and fire extinguisher
• removing the need for Hackney carriages to carry a first aid kit
• removing the current age policy for private hire and Hackney carriage vehicles
• changing the side ID currently displayed on the exterior of the vehicles
• changing the frequency of the vehicle tests
• carrying out a more detailed compliance check

You can find full details about all the changes in our proposed policy document.

How to have your say about the changes

The closing date for responses is 31 January 2026.

You can complete the survey online:

If you need an alternative format or need support to have your say, speak to a member of staff at your local Walsall Connected centre at libraries and community locations all over the borough. You can also pick up a paper copy from your local library.

If you have any enquiries about the proposal or the consultation, email us.