The government has launched a consultation on consolidating taxi and private hire vehicle licensing bodies from 263 to 70 Local Transport Authorities in an effort to enhance passenger safety and reduce exploitation of lax regulations.
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said passenger safety remained central to government efforts. The proposals would see Greater Manchester consolidate from 10 licensing authorities to a single body, whilst nationally the number of licensing bodies would be reduced to 70 LTAs, which already manage local transport planning.
Currently, 263 bodies issue licences to taxi and private hire vehicle drivers, including councils and Transport for London. The planned reduction aims to protect women and girls by curbing out-of-area working, where drivers licensed in one area primarily operate elsewhere.
According to Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, out-of-area working presents significant risks. Fewer licensing authorities would mean fewer boundaries and reduced opportunities to exploit less stringent rules in different jurisdictions.
Ms Greenwood stated: “Passenger safety is at the heart of everything we do. These proposals, combined with the introduction of national minimum standards, are important next steps to making taxis and private hire vehicles as safe as possible. By moving licensing to all Local Transport Authorities, we’re encouraging greater consistency and stronger enforcement across the country.”
A spokesperson for The Licensed Private Hire Car Association welcomed the initiative. “We are delighted that the government is consulting on making all Local Transport Authorities responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing,” they said. “Reducing the number of licensing authorities should enable licensing efficiencies and consistency of standards nationally for Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles, which in turn will improve safety for the travelling public.”
The Department for Transport has launched a 12-week public consultation, available on the DfT website. The consultation responds to Baroness Casey’s audit, which recommended rigorous statutory standards for local authority licensing and regulation of taxi drivers.
The proposals follow new national minimum standards on taxi licensing designed to enhance passenger safety. The Transport Secretary would gain powers to set these standards for robust driver checks nationwide, ensuring passengers know taxis and private hire vehicles meet uniform strict standards anywhere in the country.
The measures are intended to simplify the system, boost enforcement capabilities and reduce unfair competition within the industry.
