The Chair of the House of Commons Transport Committee has urged the Government to take action over widespread out-of-area taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) working, warning of the consequences for local accountability and public confidence in the licensing system. Ruth Cadbury MP made the comments following the Government’s formal response to the Committee’s report, 'Raising the standard: licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles', which examined regulatory inconsistenci

The Department for Transport (DfT) says it is engaging with London stakeholders on accessibility, passenger choice and commercial viability as it develops national taxi licensing standards. In a written parliamentary answer, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “We are currently engaging with stakeholders to understand the challenges facing taxi services, including issues relating to accessibility, passenger choice and commercial viability.” He added that feedback would h

Restricting taxi numbers can sound like a straightforward answer to an overcrowded rank. Fewer vehicles should mean more fares for each driver, less congestion and less time waiting without income. However the law asks a different question. It focuses first on whether passengers can obtain the taxi service they require. Outside London, section 16 of the Transport Act 1985 allows a licensing authority to refuse a taxi vehicle licence to limit numbers only when it is satisfied