We have long-called for the existing outdated taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing laws to be updated and strengthened.
Key messages
- We have long-called for the existing outdated taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing laws to be updated and strengthened.
- We participated in the Department for Transport’s task and finish group on taxi / PHV licensing, and we are pleased that many of our recommendations have been supported in the final report.[i] We are calling on the Government to take forward the report’s recommendations and specifically to introduce reform legislation soon.
- Proposals to tackle out of area working, improve safeguarding and establish national minimum standards are essential to provide safer journeys and fairer business for drivers.
- Local enforcement is essential to a safe, fare taxi and PHV system, and councils must continue to be central to the licensing process. We are pleased that the report recognises the importance of retaining local flexibility in taxi and PHV licensing, and of drivers being required to work primarily in the area where they are licensed.
- The need for reform is now urgent. Councils are doing what they can to strengthen licensing processes, such as signing up to the new National Register of Revocations and Refusals commissioned by the LGA, but the best way to strengthen safeguarding is to update legislation, which only Government can deliver.