Aberdeen Council Proposes New Taxi Licensing Rules for 2025

Aberdeen City Council is consulting the public and stakeholders on proposed changes to its taxi fleet policy ahead of a Licensing Committee meeting on 14 May 2025. The consultation seeks feedback on maintaining a 50/50 balance between Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) and saloon cars. Recent discussions on taxi regulations in the city have also addressed stricter rules on assistance for drivers providing services to disabled passengers, highlighting the council’s commitment to accessibility.

Under the current policy, all new taxi licences must be for WAVs, and this requirement is set to continue. However, a waiting list system is being considered for existing taxi licence holders wishing to transition from WAVs to saloon cars. Priority will be given to those who have operated a WAV for at least five or ten years, with applications processed in order of receipt at a designated time.

Once the initial phase concludes, additional opportunities will be available for other licence holders to register interest. When a saloon licence becomes available, the first person on the list will have seven days to confirm. If they fail to respond, their position will move to the bottom of the list.

Applicants who confirm interest will have three months to apply for a saloon car substitution. Failure to do so will result in losing their priority position.

A council spokesperson stated:

"The proposed system aims to ensure a fair and structured transition while maintaining accessibility standards for passengers."