Calls grow for private hire cap as Mayor of London says hands tied by law
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 21
The Mayor of London has said Transport for London (TfL) cannot legally cap the number of private hire vehicle (PHV) licences issued in the capital.
Neil Garratt, London Assembly Member, challenged the Mayor during a recent written question session, asking why TfL had failed to act to stop the growing number of PHVs, which many argue threatens the balance of London’s licensed taxi and private hire sectors.
Sadiq Khan responded by stating that TfL is under a legal duty to grant a licence to any applicant who meets the required statutory standards. He explained that imposing a cap would require changes to primary legislation, which only the UK Government can introduce.
The issue of capping PHVs was reviewed in 2018 by a Department for Transport-commissioned Task and Finish Group. The group supported the idea of giving licensing authorities the power to limit vehicle numbers. However, the Government at the time dismissed the recommendation and has not progressed with the suggested changes.
Khan also pointed to the wider problem of cross-border hiring, where PHV drivers licensed in one area can work in another. He said this loophole undermines any attempt to control vehicle numbers locally.
Sadiq Khan said: “Transport for London (TfL) is legally obliged to issue a licence to anyone who meets the statutory criteria for licensing.
“Primary legislation would be required to impose a cap on licence numbers.
“This matter was considered by the Department for Transport-commissioned Task and Finish Group (2018) on taxi and PHV licensing, which recommended providing powers to cap the number of licences. The Government’s response (2019) was clear that it was not minded to take this recommendation forward.
“There is a broader and more pressing issue of cross-border hiring, which, without being addressed, would make any powers to cap private hire vehicle numbers ineffective.
“TfL published a detailed policy paper in February 2018 which sets out how cross-border hiring could be addressed, and I continue to urge Government to make these legislative changes.”
