Pembrokeshire County Council's licensing committee backed a revised taxi and private hire licensing policy at its meeting on 22 October 2026. This is a recommendation only: the full council will make the final decision at a later meeting, and no date has been given. A six-week public consultation, agreed in May, drew 30 responses from licence holders and residents, and officers changed the draft after reading them. For drivers, the plans include compulsory membership of the DBS Update Service, six-monthly DBS checks, updated Institute of Licensing suitability guidance, changes to how often medicals are needed, and stronger safeguarding and disability training for new applicants. Failing to provide a satisfactory medical certificate could lead to a suspension. Private hire operators would also get tougher duties. For vehicles, a minimum Euro 6 emissions standard is proposed for vehicles first licensed from January 2027. It would not apply at renewal, as long as the licence has not lapsed. Paintwork would have to be in good condition, one colour and a smooth high-gloss finish, after concerns about textured coatings. Vehicles would show a council complaints notice, and passengers whose card payment fails could pay later instead of finding a cash machine. Officers say the policy follows Welsh Government guidance.