Hackney Carriage Vehicle Specification Review

Image showing the light of a Hackney Carriage vehicle

Introduction

We are reviewing the rules for Hackney Carriage (black cab) vehicles in Sheffield.

We want your views on proposed changes to make sure taxi services remain reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible, while reflecting current market conditions.

Sheffield City Council are aware of the wider rising costs facing drivers, however addressing these issues is out of scope of this review. The Licensing Service are continuing to monitor these issues and will hold a full review of Hackney Carriage fares later this year.

Background

Sheffield City Council Waste and Street Scene Committee approved the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Policy on 15th February 2023. This policy sets the standard for hackney carriage vehicles in Sheffield. You can view the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Policy by using the link here.

Part 9 of the policy sets outs maximum age limits for Hackney Carriage Vehicle licenses, including a requirement for all newly licensed vehicles to be Zero Emission Capable (Hybrid or Electric) by 1st January 2027.

Issue

Evidence shows that the current Zero Emissions Capable requirement may not be easily achievable due to limited availability of suitable electric and hybrid vehicles on the market. Vehicles which reach the proposed criteria can cost upwards of £30,000 second hand, and above £50,000 brand new. These vehicles are not widely available.

The current requirement would have a significant effect on Hackney Carriage vehicle drivers in Sheffield. 99% of Hackney Carriage vehicles currently licensed on Sheffield are diesel, and around one third of these will need replacing in the next 3 years.

Proposed Changes

We are proposing to:

  • Remove the requirement for all new hackney carriage vehicles to be Zero Emission Capable from 2027
  • Keep current age and emissions standards, which will continue to ensure newer, cleaner vehicles enter the fleet

With this change, we intend to continue to encourage low and zero emission vehicles through more flexible age limits. By keeping the current age limits, all newly licensed Hackney Carriage Vehicles will have Euro 6c emissions standard by April 2027.

This approach maintains a licensing framework that is practical and supports drivers to operate successfully.

Have Your Say

We want to hear from a wide range of people, including:

  • Hackney carriage drivers
  • Taxi users
  • Local businesses and organisations
  • Anyone with an interest in taxi services in Sheffield

The consultation will run for 28 days from 21st September until 18th October 2026.

You can take part by completing our online survey using the button below.

If you wish to submit any further additional information, please send this via email to:

licensingconsultation@sheffield.gov.uk

Introduction

We are reviewing the rules for Hackney Carriage (black cab) vehicles in Sheffield.

We want your views on proposed changes to make sure taxi services remain reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible, while reflecting current market conditions.

Sheffield City Council are aware of the wider rising costs facing drivers, however addressing these issues is out of scope of this review. The Licensing Service are continuing to monitor these issues and will hold a full review of Hackney Carriage fares later this year.

Background

Sheffield City Council Waste and Street Scene Committee approved the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Policy on 15th February 2023. This policy sets the standard for hackney carriage vehicles in Sheffield. You can view the Hackney Carriage Vehicle Licence Policy by using the link here.

Part 9 of the policy sets outs maximum age limits for Hackney Carriage Vehicle licenses, including a requirement for all newly licensed vehicles to be Zero Emission Capable (Hybrid or Electric) by 1st January 2027.

Issue

Evidence shows that the current Zero Emissions Capable requirement may not be easily achievable due to limited availability of suitable electric and hybrid vehicles on the market. Vehicles which reach the proposed criteria can cost upwards of £30,000 second hand, and above £50,000 brand new. These vehicles are not widely available.

The current requirement would have a significant effect on Hackney Carriage vehicle drivers in Sheffield. 99% of Hackney Carriage vehicles currently licensed on Sheffield are diesel, and around one third of these will need replacing in the next 3 years.

Proposed Changes

We are proposing to:

  • Remove the requirement for all new hackney carriage vehicles to be Zero Emission Capable from 2027
  • Keep current age and emissions standards, which will continue to ensure newer, cleaner vehicles enter the fleet

With this change, we intend to continue to encourage low and zero emission vehicles through more flexible age limits. By keeping the current age limits, all newly licensed Hackney Carriage Vehicles will have Euro 6c emissions standard by April 2027.

This approach maintains a licensing framework that is practical and supports drivers to operate successfully.

Have Your Say

We want to hear from a wide range of people, including:

  • Hackney carriage drivers
  • Taxi users
  • Local businesses and organisations
  • Anyone with an interest in taxi services in Sheffield

The consultation will run for 28 days from 21st September until 18th October 2026.

You can take part by completing our online survey using the button below.

If you wish to submit any further additional information, please send this via email to:

licensingconsultation@sheffield.gov.uk

Page published: 18 Sep 2026, 03:34 PM