The Woking Borough Council Licensing Committee convened to discuss key licensing matters, including the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Emission Policy and proposed changes to licensing delegated powers. The committee considered extending the deadline for ULEV compliance for wheelchair accessible vehicles and ultimately resolved to support amendments to the scheme of delegation, allowing officers to refuse new taxi driver licence applications in cases of serious public safety concerns.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Emission Policy Review

The committee considered the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Emission Policy, focusing on a recommendation to either extend the deadline for Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) compliance to 31 March 2030, or amend the policy to require all newly licensed WAVs to meet Euro 6 emissions standards by 31 March 2026. The existing policy mandated that all non-ULEV WAVs be replaced with ULEV-compliant vehicles by 31 March 2026, or when the vehicle reached 15 years old.

The report highlighted concerns that the current timeline could reduce the availability of WAVs, limiting mobility options for disabled passengers. According to the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Emission Policy Review, there are currently 58 wheelchair accessible licensed vehicles in Woking, but only three are ULEV compliant. The report warned that without changes to the policy, this number could drop to three by March 2026.

A public consultation on emissions standards for wheelchair accessible taxis received 228 responses, with a majority supporting an extension to the 2030 deadline, particularly for Euro 6 compliant vehicles. The Consultation Summary Report indicated that 178 respondents favoured extending the deadline to 2030. Respondents also raised concerns about the potential community impact of reducing the number of WAVs, with 138 agreeing that such a reduction would negatively affect the community.

The report also considered the environmental impact of extending the deadline, referencing the WBC Annual Status Report. The report stated that nitrogen dioxide levels in Woking were well below the legal limit at all monitoring sites in 2024, and Environmental Health advised that extending the deadline would not have a major impact on local air quality.

Ultimately, no decision was made regarding the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Emission Policy Review at this meeting.

Licensing Delegated Powers

The committee resolved to support an amendment to the scheme of delegation, as detailed in the Licensing Delegated Powers report. This amendment will allow officers to refuse new taxi driver licence applications in cases where there are serious public safety concerns. Currently, officers do not have the delegated authority to refuse new applications for taxi driver licences or operators, which is inconsistent with the powers granted for refusing renewal applications, vehicle and operator applications, and revoking existing licences.

The report outlined that, under the new process, referral would be made to the Strategic Director of Place and the Chair of the Licensing Committee, rather than the Licensing Committee, in the event that an officer is minded to reject an application. The report cited an example of an applicant with prior convictions for sexual offences against female passengers, where delays in the current system could have been avoided with the proposed changes.

The report argued that the proposed amendment would ensure applications are determined as quickly as possible, reduce the number of Licensing Sub Committee meetings, and save time and resources. Between September 2023 and September 2025, four taxi subcommittees were held that could have been avoided if officers had the delegated powers to refuse the applications directly.

The report also referenced the Department for Transport's Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Best Practice Guidance (2023), the Local Government Association's Councillor Handbook (2021), and the Institute of Licensing's Suitability Guidance (2024), all of which support the proposed amendment.

Other Matters

• Minutes: The minutes of the Licensing Committee meetings held on 16 April and 19 May 2025 were approved.
• Licensing Update: Laura McCulloch, provided an update on the Licensing service, including plans to improve efficiency, accessibility, and service quality through technology. Key deliverables included reviewing the Penalty Points system, transitioning to e-forms¹, re-developing the website, promoting wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and launching a taxi e-newsletter. Councillor Chris Martin supported the adoption of e-forms, and asked about the BBFC² classification and reclassification process. Councillor Peter Graves inquired about future trends in licensing, such as electric vehicles and self-driving taxis. Emma Bourne added that disposable vapes would be banned from 1 June and that the tobacco bill could have implications for licensing. Councillor Daryl Jordan asked about banning smoking in pub gardens.