Scrap the Taxi Age Limits – Support the Campaign

Fife Council’s current vehicle age policy for taxis and private hire vehicles is outdated, arbitrary, and damaging the trade.

Under the existing rules:

• Vehicles over 5 years old cannot be newly licensed
• Vehicles must be removed after 10 years (or 12 years for WAVs), regardless of condition or mileage

This policy forces operators to scrap safe, roadworthy vehicles and invest thousands into replacements — at a time when costs are rising and the trade is under pressure.

What’s the Problem?

Operators are already dealing with:

• Soaring vehicle prices (both new and used)
• Higher garage labour and parts costs
• Rising insurance, fuel, and tax
• A shrinking night-time economy
• Wage increases and employer NI hikes

At the same time, some new cars with poor safety records are allowed, while older, safer models are banned just for being “too old”.

Examples:

• Dacia Sandero (2021+) – 2-star Euro NCAP
• Dacia Spring EV (2022) – 1-star rating
• Škoda Octavia (2013) – 5-star rating but now banned
• Vauxhall Astra (2015) – 5-star rating but now banned

Even the Scottish Government’s own guidance calls hard age limits “arbitrary and disproportionate”.

What We’re Calling For

We are asking Fife Council to bring its policy into line with modern practice and safety-first principles:

• Remove the 5-year entry rule
• Allow vehicles over 10/12 years to stay on the road if they pass inspection
• Keep annual inspections as the safety standard — not age caps

What We’ve Done So Far

• Contacted over 100 operators across Fife
• Written to every councillor on the Licensing Committee
• Shared evidence from other councils that have modernised their approach
• Started building support from national trade bodies

Have Your Say

If you agree it’s time for fairer rules, here’s how you can help:

1. Email Cllr Tom Adams (Licensing Chair):
   cllr.tom.adams@fife.gov.uk
2. Use our letter template to make it quick:
   Download template letter
3. Spread the word
   Share this page with other drivers and operators. The more voices, the stronger our case.