Can the public help? Back fair vehicle age rules in council consultation.
Derby, October 2025: Derby’s private hire drivers are calling on local residents and passengers to take part in Derby City Council’s public consultation on taxi vehicle age limits a policy that will drive local trade and jobs out of the city.
Under current Derby City Council rules, a private hire car must be under 5 years old when first licensed. This means local drivers are forced to spend upwards of £15,000 on vehicles that could be purchased for half that cost, despite meeting the same eco and safety standards.
“This policy makes no sense,” said a spokesperson for D.A.T.A (the Derby Area Taxi Association, local folks representing local Derby drivers) “Drivers are being pushed to buy newer cars for no real benefit and the city is losing licensed drivers every month because of it.”
The issue first gained attention earlier this year when hundreds of residents signed a petition challenging the policy. The matter has now reached the public consultation stage, giving Derby residents a direct say in whether the rule should remain or be scrapped.
According to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request, Derby currently has around 700 locally licensed private hire drivers (Fixed blue rear plates). However, there are an estimated 1,700 drivers with DE postcodes operating under Wolverhampton licences (yellow horizontal plates above registraion plate).
“Out of town vehicles don’t have to follow Derby’s local rules and Derby City Council’s officers can’t even inspect them for safety,” said D.A.T.A. “It’s in everyone’s best interest, including the council’s, to keep Derby licensed cars on our roads.”
Derby licensed vehicles already meet eco-friendly requirements and undergo twice-yearly safety inspections. Campaigners argue that age should not be the deciding factor.
“Walk are talking about cosmetic differences between a 2018 and a 2020 car. But in price terms, it’s thousands of pounds. This policy just adds unnecessary financial pressure on working drivers. They will decide to go what best suits their circumstances”
The public consultation asks residents and trade members for their views on the “5-year rule” as part of the Private Hire Vehicle Age and Emissions Policy review.
Supporters are being urged to select Question 4: “Be removed entirely.” Making it more affordable to KEEP local drivers on the streets of Derby at NO cost to public safety.
🔗 Take part in the consultation here:
https://letstalk.derby.gov.uk/age-emissions-policy-5-year-rule-for-private-hire-vehicles-consultation
