Amendments to the council licensing policy for Pembrokeshire’s taxis have been backed, but a final decision will be made at full council.

At its October 22 meeting, Pembrokeshire County Council’s licensing committee considered a taxi policy drawn up after a public consultation on an earlier draft.

The committee’s backing is a recommendation for full council to approve the policy at a later meeting.

A report said the committee considered the draft policy in May and approved a six-week public consultation, which has now ended.

The report said: “A total of 30 responses were received from licence holders and residents of Pembrokeshire. Following the consultation, officers have considered all responses received and undertaken a further detailed review of the policy.”

The main proposals included compulsory DBS Update Service subscriptions for licensed drivers, six-monthly DBS checks, updated Institute of Licensing suitability guidance, revised medical assessment intervals, stronger safeguarding and disability training for new applicants, tougher private hire operator duties and a minimum Euro 6 emissions standard for vehicles first licensed from next January.

The Euro 6 rule will not apply when an existing vehicle’s licence is renewed, provided the licence has not lapsed.

One issue raised was officers identifying an increase in licensed vehicles being presented with textured protective coatings, commonly referred to as ‘Raptor’ paintwork, the report said.

“Licensing officers and council garage testers raised concerns regarding the suitability of this type of finish for licensed public service vehicles, including its appearance and the potential for a textured finish to make assessment of the underlying condition of vehicle bodywork more difficult.

“As a result, an additional proposed vehicle licence condition was added to the draft policy requiring: ‘paintwork to be maintained in good condition, of a uniform colour and to a high-gloss, smooth finish’.”

The report said the review clarified how three-year driver licences will work if a driver’s right to work or DVLA licence expires, and warned that failing to provide a satisfactory medical certificate could lead to suspension; it also proposed displaying a council feedback and complaints notice in licensed vehicles and allowing later payment after a failed card transaction instead of requiring customers to travel to an ATM in rural areas.

Officers said the final policy “represents a proportionate balance between the council’s responsibility to protect the public and the need for a practical and sustainable licensing framework for the taxi and private hire trade”.

The report said the recommendation “provides a clear, transparent and consistent framework for the administration and enforcement of taxi and private hire licensing in Pembrokeshire”.

The report said: “It introduces updated licence conditions that are consistent with Welsh Government guidance and will better prepare the taxi trade in Pembrokeshire should a Wales Taxi Bill be progressed.”

Committee members approved the recommendation, but full council will make the final decision at a future meeting.