Stafford Borough Council lifts white-only taxi rule

Stafford Borough Council has approved changes to its taxi licensing policy, removing the long-standing requirement that all hackney carriage vehicles be white. The decision, made at the full council meeting on Tuesday, 9 September, responds to concerns from the local taxi trade regarding vehicle availability and operational barriers.

Key Policy Changes

• Vehicle Colour Flexibility: Hackney carriages may now be licensed in black as well as white, aligning Stafford with practices in other UK authorities. The council cited extended wait times of up to 12–15 months for white vehicles as a key factor in the decision.

• Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle Incentives: Under the new 2025–2030 licensing framework, drivers who operate a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) for eight consecutive years will be eligible to licence a standard saloon vehicle. The measure aims to maintain accessibility while addressing affordability challenges.

• Low-Emission Fleet Requirement: From 2030, all licensed taxis in Stafford must be hybrid, fully electric, or hydrogen-powered. While the trade requested a delay to 2035, councillors deemed the 2030 deadline consistent with national policy on phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles.

The revised policy is expected to ease vehicle sourcing constraints and support long-term sustainability goals. By introducing greater flexibility and targeted incentives, the council aims to retain a viable hackney carriage sector while promoting accessibility and environmental compliance.