Derby Taxi trade meetings resume after months of silence.
After several months without formal discussion between the taxi trade and Derby City Council, October 2025 saw the long-awaited return of the Derby Taxi Trade Meeting. The first since March this year.
The meeting, (the general lack of meetings had been been raised at the previous Licensing Committee by Councillor Sarah Bolton), brought together representatives from across Derby’s licensed driver community. D.A.T.A (Derby Area Taxi Association) attended alongside members of the cities Hackney Trade Associations DHA, DATOA. Chads Cars were in attendance and the city’s licensing enforcement officer Dave Basford, License team representatives Angela Dawson and Purjinder Gill with all parties contributing to the agenda and the conversation.
Despite the topic being raised in the council’s licensing meeting, no members of the Licensing Committee attended, including committee chair Councillor Alison Holmes. This absence was noted by trade representatives as disappointing, given the importance of open dialogue between the council and Derby’s licensed trade.
However, the reintroduction of trade meetings is a welcome and positive step. It allows trade associations, operators and the licensing team to once again raise and resolve issues affecting both drivers and passengers across the city.
Communication still a key concern
One recurring theme from all associations was the ongoing issue of communication with the council’s licensing team.
Many drivers continue to report delays in responses, with the council’s automated email reply still citing staff shortages. Trade bodies have requested that communication channels be improved and that regular meetings continue to ensure drivers can access the support they need efficiently.
Vehicle signage and driver compliance
A key point of conversation during the meeting was the ongoing ambiguity around vehicle specifications, driver terms and conditions and the display of vehicle signage.
Questions were raised by D.A.T.A about whether private hire vehicles should display livery and signage while not working. According to both the Licensing Team and the Enforcement Officer present at the meeting, the current position is that private hire vehicles should permanently display their required signage, even when not in active service!
“Vehicles should be always as they are presented at tthe time of the 6 month vehicle check”… The words used by Derbys license enforcement officer.
Similarly, it was confirmed by the Derby enforcement officer that drivers should continue to wear their ID badges at all times, including when in their licensed vehicle but not carrying out bookings.
At this time, D.A.T.A remind drivers that it is their responsibilty to adhere to current terms and conditions.
These requirements, along with broader questions around vehicle specifications and operational conditions are expected to be revisited as part of the upcoming city wide Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Review, infomation due to be imminently. The topic of a general shake up of the cities licensing requirements may be discussed at the next Licensing Committee meeting.
A key point to mention was the use of bus lanes by out of town plate Hackney vehicles. This was advised on by the council as the signage stated ‘TAXI’ on all bus lane signage and out of town plated hackneys were still classed as hackneys despite working with private hire bases.
Out of town plated Hackneys doing this were frustrating for locally plated Hackney drivers and private hire drivers alike as they have to follow local terms and conditions.
A great suggestion from our DATOA colleagues included resignage to mention Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. This would prevent out of town Hackneys running up bus lanes as their terms do not stipulate wheelchair accessibilty in the way DCC drivers do.
Important reminders for private hire drivers
As part of continued efforts to uphold high professional standards in Derby’s taxi and private hire industry, D.A.T.A would like to remind all private hire drivers of their legal obligations under local licensing conditions and the 1976 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
All private hire journeys must be pre-booked through a licensed operator.
Private hire drivers are not legally permitted to accept bookings directly from passengers, even for short, local trips.
If someone approaches your vehicle or knocks on your window offering cash for a lift (for example, “£5 to take me up the road”), you must politely refuse and direct them to your operator or a licensed hackney carriage.
There are multiple media articles about drivers being prosecuted for ‘plying for hire’ and taking un booked passengers. It is not worth losing your license/ livelyhood and paying fines for the price of a Big Mac meal.
Private hire vehicles cannot use taxi ranks.
Taxi ranks are reserved exclusively for Derby-licensed hackney carriages, which are the only vehicles permitted to wait for passengers without a prior booking. Private hire vehicles waiting on a rank may face enforcement action and/or general traffic enforcement.
Protect your licence and reputation.
All drivers with that respected blue rear DCC plate represent Derby’s licensed trade. By following the booking and rank rules, you help maintain a safe, fair and lawful operating environment for everyone, passengers, drivers and the public.
Looking Ahead
D.A.T.A welcomes the re-establishment of these trade meetings and encourages continued cooperation between the council, trade associations, operators and drivers.
Open communication, fair enforcement and adherence to licensing laws will help ensure Derby remains a safe and professional city for both drivers and passengers alike.
The official minutes from the meeting have now been published and can be viewed here: