A NEW maximum tariff for taxi fares will come into force and taxi drivers will be required to have more regular DBS checks as part of a new policy being proposed across the whole of the Dorset Council area.

Taxis will also be permitted to start charging for companies to advertise on their vehicles to earn extra money, while all applications for taxi licences made for fully electric vehicles will be accepted.

The purpose of the new proposed taxi licensing policy is to update and replace the different licensing policies that were in place while Dorset's borough and district councils were in operation.

A key part of the policy is to remove zones from all Dorset Council areas where there are currently no limits to the number of licensed taxis - the only area where there is a limit is in the area formerly covered by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. Here, there will be a limit of 80 hackney carriages, however, this limit does not apply to fully electric licensed taxis or to private hire vehicles.

Because there will be no zones, apart from the Weymouth and Portland zone, the council has proposed setting one maximum tariff for hackney carriages across the whole of the council area. It will be an offence to charge more than the maximum limit.

In a bid to keep users safe, Dorset Council has also significantly reduced the length of time in between drivers getting DBS checks from once every three years to once every six months.

The policy also permits drivers to advertise on licensed vehicles to provide alternative sources of income to taxi drivers - a freedom which is currently restricted.

The council has launched a consultation of the proposed policy to find out what members of the public think of it. The survey will be available until September 19.

Councillor Emma Parker, chair of Dorset Council's licensing committee, said: "Dorset's taxi operators provide a vital service to this county's residents and it's important that we have a single policy in place to ensure that drivers are treated fairly and consistently and that the public are kept safe.

"Before Dorset Council was formed, each of our predecessor district and borough councils had their individual policies setting out how they would process hackney carriage and private hire matters. We've considered each of these policies when drafting the new taxi policy and any areas of good practice have been retained and developed.

"We would encourage any Dorset residents, organisations or businesses who use taxis, either once in a while or more frequently, to please take part in the consultation and let us know your views. Thank you for your support."

A final draft policy will be considered for adoption in October and November.

To view the full taxi licensing policy and take part in the consultation, visit the Dorset Council website.