A CAB driver has spoken out against proposed taxi policy changes which he has suggested would wipe out the private hire industry. 

Ringwood taxi driver and owner of Ringo Taxis, Philip Bristow, has spoken out against proposed policy changes from New Forest District Council that would require drivers to acquire new vehicles under five years old. 

The policy aims to make vehicles more disability-friendly but Mr Bristow has warned the new policy could have the opposite effect and remove any cabs that are wheelchair accessible from the New Forest. 

He said: "The New Forest some years ago didn't have enough disabled accessible vehicles on the road so the council turned around and said if you want to register a taxi, it has to be disabled friendly.

"That hasn't been a problem but now they're saying it has to be less than 10 years old and less than five years for all new petrol and diesel vehicles. I can't afford to do that." 

Philip drives a London black cab which has been on the road since 2009.

While he and other private hire will be forced to change vehicles, those with historic plates are allowed to keep the same cab despite not being disabled friendly. 

He said: "You've got Galleon Taxis, Brockenhurst Taxis, Ringwood, Red Express who are all well established and have 20 vehicles each. They're in a position to lease vehicles and get vehicles and they don't have to have disabled access which is crucifying the little guys. 

"I've got friends who operates four taxis and he would have to replace every single one. You would lose 60 per cent of taxis in Ringwood and quite a few of these companies would cease." 

If passed the new policy would come into effect in 2026.

A spokesperson for NFDC said: "This proposal supports the council’s priorities on climate change and actions to improve air quality, as well as maintaining a high standard of vehicle fleet for our residents and visitors to the forest.

"This is a draft taxi licensing policy, and it is currently out for public consultation until April 15, 2024.

"We are therefore seeking views from stakeholders, the taxi trade and members of the public."