The Council is working with partners across Hertfordshire, including the Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership (HCCSP), to facilitate the transition of the local taxi fleet towards low and zero-emission vehicles, with a focus on electric taxis.
This action contributes to reducing transport-related carbon emissions, improving local air quality, and supporting a cleaner and more sustainable taxi service for residents and visitors. As part of this work, the Council has progressed changes to taxi licensing policy through consultation and Committee approval, enabling a phased introduction of emission requirements that support a fair and achievable transition for taxi operators while aligning with the Council’s net-zero ambitions and the required provision of a transport service relevent to our residents.
In March 2024, during the review of the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy and Conditions of Licence, the Council resolved to actively promote the adoption of cleaner, low-emission vehicles within the licensed taxi and private hire fleet. To support this initiative, paragraph 10.4 of the policy suggests a subsidised licence fee for electric and hybrid vehicles. This financial incentive aims to encourage vehicle owners to transition to cleaner fuel alternatives, thereby contributing to tackling climate change and to improved air quality and environmental sustainability in the borough.
As part of the review of taxi licensing fees undertaken in 2025, a proposal was put forward by the Environmental Health & Licensing service, with the assistance of the Climate Action Team, to introduce a two-tier discount structure for Zero and Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) as follows:
The proposal was taken to Cabinet on 8th October 2025, as part of the taxi licensing fees review report, and was approved unanimously. The reduced fees took effect from 1st January 2026.
The Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy was adopted by the General Purposes Committee on 14 December 2023, and this came into effect on 1 April 2024. Further information at: Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy
The GPC approved the post-consultation draft of the new policy so we phased-in the new requirements on vehicle emissions over a transitional period.
Consulting on a proposed revision of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licences issued by the Council. Consultation - Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licences (stevenage.gov.uk). The consultation was re-launched with a longer response period in August 2023.