Have your say
Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy
Taxi and private hire licensing is devolved to Welsh Government, which is working towards the development of a single, modernised legislative framework for Wales. In the meantime, Welsh Government has developed a set of harmonised national standards in partnership with local authorities to promote greater consistency across Wales.
The Council has a statutory responsibility to regulate the taxi and private hire trade to ensure public safety, and to promote a high-quality, accessible and reliable service for residents and visitors.
Pembrokeshire County Council is consulting on the introduction of a new overarching Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy. The policy proposes to adopt these harmonised national standards for hackney carriage and private hire drivers, vehicles and operators. It also clarifies local administration and enforcement arrangements for licence holders and new applicants.
This proposed policy reflects:
- Current Welsh Government guidance and emerging national standards
- The need to clarify existing licensing administration arrangements and bring relevant licence conditions and existing policies into a single overarching document
Key proposals within the draft policy include:
- Mandatory DBS Update Service registration for licensed drivers to facilitate 6 monthly DBS checks in line with Welsh Government guidanc
- Updated medical frequency for drivers in line with Welsh Government guidance
- Updated Suitability Criteria (Convictions policy) in line with Institute of Licensing standards published October 2024 and Welsh Government guidance
- Enhanced safeguarding and disability awareness training for new drivers in line with Welsh Government guidance
- Stronger operator responsibilities for complaints and record keeping in line with Welsh Government guidance
- Introduction of a minimum Euro 6 emissions standard for new vehicles from January 2027 to promote a greener, less polluting fleet
- Streamlined and updated licence conditions in line with emerging national standards
You can also view an Integrated Impact Assessment which includes our assessment of the impact the Policy will have on the Welsh language and other issues, this information will help you to answer questions about this.
The Council is keen to hear from all stakeholders including licensed drivers and operators, passengers, disability groups, safeguarding partners and the wider public.
Your views
Please complete the online survey (opens in a new tab).
If you would like a paper copy please call our Customer Contact Centre on 01437 764551 or email licensing@pembrokeshire.gov.uk so we can make arrangements to send this to you.
The responses you provide will be compiled into an anonymised report and used to inform an Integrated Impact Assessment.
All responses will be carefully considered and will help inform any revisions before the policy is finalised and adopted.
The outcome of the consultation will be considered by the Licensing Committee in Autumn 2026, a final policy will be agreed and adopted.
Please complete the survey by 23 September 2026.