Welsh councils support one-tier taxi and private hire licensing

Local councils in Wales are in favour of government proposals to make taxi and private hire licensing a one-tier system.

If the proposals were to go through, cities in Wales could see holding areas outside of city centres for vehicles awaiting bookings to 'help' over ranking and harness the increasing number of ride hails via mobile devices. 

“In principle, a one-tier system would be the preferred model. However, it is acknowledged that a number of challenges would have to be overcome for this model to be successfully implemented,” said the councils according to TransportXtra. Councils say the proposals would create a more level playing field and make it easier for customers to determine who can legally ply for trade. Worrying the Welsh government also wish to do away with the terms Hackney Carriage and Private Hire. Vehicles working on the one-tier system would simply be know as taxis, much to the dismay of taxi drivers else where around the UK.