Overview
| Consultation on proposed changes to East Suffolk taxi vehicle specification |
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East Suffolk Council is inviting views on minor proposed changes to the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Specification, which helps ensure licensed vehicles are safe, suitable and meet the standards expected by passengers. The proposed changes have been developed in consultation with the Council's appointed testing garages. They include updates to clarify existing requirements, align the specification with current legislation, provide greater flexibility in vehicle seating layouts, and introduce requirements relating to vehicle safety recalls. Whether you are a licence holder, regular taxi or private hire user, or simply have an interest in local licensing standards, we would welcome your feedback. Your comments will help us understand the level of support for the proposals, identify any potential impacts, and consider whether any amendments are needed before the changes are considered by the Licensing Committee. All comments received will be included in a report to the Licensing Committee in October 2026 and will form part of a public document. The consultation closes on 4 October 2026. Please send your comments to licensing@eastsuffolk.gov.uk. |
If you wish to become a licensed driver and work for UBER, please note that UBER does not have a private hire operator licence with East Suffolk Council meaning that we cannot issue a driver licence to you.
We will not accept applications from persons wishing to work for UBER or any Ipswich based companies that do not hold a private hire operator licence with East Suffolk Council. If you wish to work for an Ipswich private hire operator you should apply to Ipswich Borough Council.
Licensed vehicles
Vehicles used as hackney carriages and for private hire must be licensed. This also applies to drivers and, in the case of a private hire business, the operator. Licensing ensures the safety of the public by making sure drivers are ‘fit and proper’ persons and that the vehicles they drive are safe, suitable and reliable.
The council can only licence vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats. Anything above this is dealt with by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
If you wish to make an appointment at either Riverside, Lowestoft, or East Suffolk House, Melton, for a new application, a renewal or to collect vehicle plates then please contact our Licensing Team.
Hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire vehicles
The main difference between a hackney carriage (taxi) vehicle and a private hire vehicle is that hackney carriages are permitted to use designated ranks and can also be hailed down in the street. They are usually identified with a TAXI sign on the roof and the council approves the maximum tariff for fares and other charges.
There are two different tariffs for hackney carriages within East Suffolk; one in the north of the district and one in the south (the former Waveney and Suffolk Coastal geographical areas). East Suffolk Hackney Carriage licence holders must choose one of these areas. The vehicle plate will identify the chosen area.
Private hire vehicles cannot be hailed down in the street and must be pre-booked via the office or base of a licensed ‘private hire operator'. Private hire vehicles must not have roof signs but are permitted to have stickers and signs. There is no set fare for a private hire vehicle journey, so the fare price should be confirmed at the time of booking.
Hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire vehicles in our district are required to have large licence plates fixed to the rear of the vehicle showing the council’s logo, the licence number, vehicle type and registration, and the licence expiry date. A smaller version of this licence plate must also be displayed on the inside of the front screen of the vehicle.
In addition to this the licensed driver is required to wear an identity badge showing the driver’s licence number, an ID photo, and licence expiry date.
Hackney carriage and private hire licence fees and charges
Public registers of hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire licences
Our public register of licences has been divided into North and South areas. These areas reflect the former licensing authority districts.
East Suffolk South hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire licence register
East Suffolk North hackney carriage (taxi) and private hire licence register