WINCHESTER City Council has heard the pleas of taxi drivers from across the district.

Chiefs first shared the new criteria, that all council-licensed vehicles would have to meet, back in September this year.

The list was unveiled at a licensing committee, where several local drivers voiced their concerns due to losing money over lockdown.

Now, following cabinet on Tuesday November 10, the criteria has been changed.

From 1 December 2021, all petrol and diesel vehicles must be no older than 12 years.

And from the same date, electric and hybrid vehicles can be a maximum of 13 years old.

Theses rules were initially to be in force by the end of this year, but the council has delayed them by 12 months.

Cllr Jackie Porter said: "We have come to a compromise, but with the safety of our drivers, and more importantly their passengers, at the centre of the decision."