Taxi and private hire vehicle consultation

Audience: Driver, vehicle proprietor or operator, businesses, resident

Open: 9 February 2026 to 6 April 2026

A public consultation on a new emissions policy for taxis and private hire vehicles in West Suffolk, has opened.

West Suffolk Council is proposing to scrap its existing requirement for new taxis and private hire vehicles to be less than five years old. 

Now, the council is consulting on introducing a requirement for new taxis and private hire vehicles to meet at least EU 6 – a recognised emissions standard for vehicles in the UK and across Europe.

The EU 6 standard limits the release of pollutants like Nitrogen Dioxide and particulates. The proposed West Suffolk policy would also allow for the higher EU 7 standard which has recently been introduced.

The council has written to drivers and operators in West Suffolk and is also encouraging the public to have their say through a short online survey.

The consultation is open until 5pm on 6 April 2026. Anyone who has trouble accessing the online consultation should contact licensing@westsuffolk.gov.uk or phone 01284 758050.