Cornwall Council Consults on Proposal to Remove Taxi Zones Across the County

Cornwall Council has launched a public consultation on plans to remove existing taxi zones across the county.

The proposal would see the current six zones — Penwith, Kerrier, Carrick, Restormel, North Cornwall and Caradon — replaced with a single taxi licensing area covering the whole of Cornwall.

The move, the Council says, could make the system “fairer and more efficient” while improving availability for passengers.

👉 Have your say on the proposals here.

What Are Taxi Zones?

At the moment, taxis in Cornwall can only pick up passengers within the zone they are licensed in. These zones are based on the former district council boundaries, which have remained in place even though Cornwall Council became a single authority back in 2009.

This means:

• A taxi licensed in one zone can’t pick up passengers in another.

• Fare tariffs differ between zones.

• Licences only apply to one area, although some taxis hold two separate licences.

Why Is a Change Being Considered?

According to the Council, removing taxi zones would align with the Government’s Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing: Best Practice guidance, which recommends scrapping zones to:

• Make things simpler for passengers.

• Improve taxi availability and customer choice.

• Create a fairer and more efficient system.

The change would not affect taxi ranks, which will remain in place.

What’s the Difference Between Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles?

Taxis (Hackney Carriages) can be hailed in the street, picked up from ranks, or pre-booked. Private Hire Vehicles, on the other hand, must always be pre-booked — they cannot be hailed or wait at taxi ranks.

Both taxis and private hire vehicles, along with their operators and drivers, are licensed by Cornwall Council. The Council describes these services as “a vital part of local transport, helping keep our communities connected.”

Have Your Say

Cornwall Council is encouraging residents, businesses, and drivers to share their views. The consultation survey is open now and will close on 31st December 2025.

You can take part at letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/taxi-zones