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Henley Regatta 2025: visitors urged to stay safe and only use licensed taxis 

With Henley Royal Regatta almost here, visitors are being urged to plan their journey home in advance and not risk travelling in an unlicensed, uninsured and potentially unsafe vehicle. 

Only hackney carriages that are licensed by South Oxfordshire District Council can legally ply for hire in Henley during the Regatta (1 to 6 July 2025).  South Oxfordshire private hire vehicles, and all vehicles and drivers licensed elsewhere are not allowed to pick up passengers unless they have a legitimate, pre-arranged booking. Doing otherwise is illegal and could leave passengers uninsured and at risk. 

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We urge those who need to get a taxi home from the Regatta to only use properly licensed vehicles.  All private hire vehicles must be pre-booked, and hackney carriages hailed on the street must display official South Oxfordshire markings.  

“Public safety is our top priority. Throughout the event our enforcement team will be working with the police and officers from our neighbouring authorities to act against any drivers who are operating illegally.” 

To ensure your journey home is safe, visitors should: 

  • Plan ahead and pre-book with a licensed private hire operator. 
  • If hailing a taxi, only use vehicles with the South Oxfordshire District Council roof sign and a licence plate on the rear. 
  • Always ask the driver to show their official South Oxfordshire driver badge, which includes their photo and name. 
  • Avoid giving out personal details during your journey — ask to be dropped nearby if you don’t wish to give your full address. 

Over the past five years, 19 drivers have been prosecuted and had their licences revoked for illegally plying for hire at Henley Regatta.  

Drivers licensed outside South Oxfordshire are reminded to only come to Henley if you have a genuine, pre-booked job. If you are caught touting for business or accepting walk-up fares, you risk a £1,000 fine, potential prosecution, and the revocation of your licence.

If you are concerned about an illegal taxi or suspicious behaviour at Henley Regatta, you can report it online at southoxon.gov.uk/TaxiComplaint