Cookie Policy
Last updated: 10 May 2026
What this policy covers
This policy explains what cookies and similar tracking technologies Loctician.co.uk uses, why we use them, and how you can control them.
It sits alongside our Privacy Policy, which covers personal data more broadly.
If you have any questions, email us.
What cookies are
Cookies are small text files that websites store on your device when you visit. They’re widely used to make websites work, work better, or provide information to site owners.
Some cookies are essential. Without them, parts of the site won’t function (you couldn’t stay logged in, your cookie preferences couldn’t be remembered). Others are optional — they help us understand how the site is used or enable specific features.
We also use similar technologies including:
- Local storage – stores small amounts of data in your browser
- Pixels and tracking scripts – small pieces of code that report when you visit certain pages
For simplicity, we refer to all of these as “cookies” throughout this policy.
Your control over cookies
When you first visit Loctician.co.uk, you’ll see a cookie banner asking what you’re happy with. You have three options:
- Accept all — allows essential and optional cookies
- Reject all — allows only essential cookies; nothing optional
- Customise — choose category by category
You can change your choice at any time using the “Cookie settings” link in our footer. Updating your preferences takes effect immediately.
Your choices are stored in a cookie that lasts 12 months. If you don’t make a choice, no optional cookies are set – we treat no decision as a “reject” until you tell us otherwise.
What cookies we use
We’ve grouped our cookies into categories. Each category can be controlled independently in the cookie banner.
Essential cookies (always active)
These are required for the site to function. They don’t track you and you can’t opt out of them — without them, the site genuinely doesn’t work.
| Cookie | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
wordpress_* | WordPress | Stores your login session if you have an account | Session or 14 days |
wp-settings-* | WordPress | Stores admin interface preferences (logged-in users only) | 1 year |
cookieyes-consent (or similar) | Our cookie banner | Remembers your cookie preferences | 12 months |
__hivepress_* | HivePress | Manages directory functionality (search filters, recently viewed) | Session |
PHPSESSID | Server | Maintains your session as you browse | Session |
Analytics cookies (optional – opt-in)
Set only if you accept analytics cookies. These help us understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it.
| Cookie | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google Analytics 4 | Distinguishes unique visitors | 13 months |
_ga_* | Google Analytics 4 | Tracks session and pageview data | 13 months |
_gid | Google Analytics 4 | Distinguishes users (session-level) | 24 hours |
We use Google Analytics 4 with IP anonymisation enabled and consent mode active. We don’t use any advertising or remarketing features. We don’t sell or share analytics data.
Functional cookies (optional — opt-in)
Set only if you accept functional cookies. These enable specific features that aren’t strictly essential but improve your experience.
| Cookie | Set by | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
loctician_recently_viewed | Loctician.co.uk | Remembers locticians you’ve recently viewed | 30 days |
loctician_search_history | Loctician.co.uk | Remembers your last search filters | 30 days |
If we add features in future that need additional functional cookies, we’ll update this list and ask for consent.
Third-party cookies (optional — opt-in)
Cookies set by third-party services we use. These are only set if you’ve consented to the relevant cookie category.
| Service | Cookies | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Various Google cookies | Powers the maps and address search on listing pages. Set when a map is displayed. |
| YouTube (if videos are embedded) | Various YouTube cookies | Manages video playback if any pages embed YouTube content. |
| Stripe | __stripe_mid, __stripe_sid | Set on the checkout page only when you’re upgrading to a Featured listing. Manages payment processing. |
We don’t currently use:
- Advertising cookies
- Social media tracking pixels (Meta Pixel, etc.)
- Remarketing cookies
- Third-party analytics beyond Google Analytics 4
If we ever add any of these, we’ll update this policy and ask for fresh consent.
How to control cookies in your browser
In addition to our cookie banner, you can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Third-party cookies
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
- Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data
Blocking cookies in your browser may break parts of Loctician.co.uk that rely on essential cookies (the site might not remember you’re logged in, your cookie preferences won’t persist, etc.). Most users don’t need to do this — using our cookie banner is more effective.
You can also opt out of Google Analytics across all sites you visit by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Do Not Track (DNT) signals
Some browsers send a “Do Not Track” signal. The international standard for handling DNT signals isn’t settled – different sites handle it differently. We treat DNT signals as a “reject all optional cookies” preference, equivalent to using the Reject All button.
Updates to this policy
We may update this policy when we add or remove cookies, change service providers, or in response to legal changes. The “Last updated” date at the top reflects the latest revision.
For significant changes, we’ll prompt you to review your cookie preferences again via the cookie banner.
Getting in touch
For any cookie-related question:
Email: via our contact page
Cookie preferences: use the “Cookie settings” link in our footer to change your choices anytime.