Local authorities in Gloucestershire have started a joint consultation to draw up a common licensing standard for taxi and private hire services in the county.

Each district, borough and city council in the county currently has its own licensing policies but have developed a proposed common standard with South Gloucestershire Council.

Cotswold District Council chief executive Robert Weaver said: "Through our licensing team we are responsible for working with taxi and private hire drivers and companies to make sure we hit the high safety standard we all expect.

"This joint approach across Gloucestershire will make sure we are all working to national best practice and that safety is of the highest importance."

The councils said the common standard would reduce unnecessary administration for businesses operating across council boundaries.

Cheltenham Borough Council director of environment Mike Redman said: "Public safety and protection is the cornerstone of licensing.

"Through this consultation, the licensing authorities around the county have shown a commitment to partnership working to produce common standards based on national best practice.

"Having common standards means residents and visitors to Cheltenham and elsewhere in the county can be assured the highest possible public safety standards are applied to taxi and private hire licensing for the safety and protection."

The consultation, which opened today, runs until June with information here.