‘CLOSE THE LOOPHOLE’: Crawley Borough Council warns cross-border taxi hiring risks safety and fair competition
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Crawley Borough Council has formally raised concerns over the growing prevalence of cross-border taxi and private hire vehicle operations, warning that current legislation is undermining local safety standards and creating unfair market conditions.
The issue was debated at a Full Council meeting on 25 March, where councillors approved a motion highlighting how provisions within the Deregulation Act 2015 are being used by some drivers and operators to work predominantly outside the area in which they are licensed.
Council leaders pointed to findings from the Casey Review, indicating that cross-border hiring weakens the ability of local authorities to enforce consistent regulatory standards. This, they argue, risks public safety and places locally licensed drivers at a competitive disadvantage.
The motion stated that passenger safety should not vary depending on location, and that councils are best placed to regulate vehicles operating within their own boundaries. It added that Crawley’s taxi and private hire sector plays a vital role in both the local transport network and wider economy, and should not be undermined by what it described as regulatory loopholes.
Local authority renews call for legislative reform following concerns over regulatory loopholes impacting standards and enforcement
Crawley Borough Council is now urging central government to introduce legislative reforms that would require drivers to be licensed in the areas where they primarily operate. The authority is also calling for the reintroduction of previously removed licensing controls.
Among the measures proposed are the introduction of national minimum standards covering driver vetting, safeguarding, vehicle safety and operator conduct, alongside provisions allowing councils to impose stricter requirements where necessary. The council is also seeking the implementation of a ‘start or finish’ rule for private hire journeys, ensuring trips either begin or end in the licensing authority’s area, subject to specific exemptions such as NHS and school transport.
Additional proposals include enhanced cross-border enforcement powers for local authorities, stronger penalties for repeated non-compliance, and allowing councils to retain revenue from enforcement activity to support ongoing regulatory work.
The council confirmed it has already lobbied central government twice on the issue. Following the latest motion, the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Public Protection are set to write again to the Transport Secretary, pressing for the swift implementation of recommendations outlined in the Casey Review.
Councillor Michael Jones, Council Leader, said: “Passenger safety must always come first. Crawley sets high standards for our taxi and private hire drivers because our residents deserve the very best. But these efforts are undermined when drivers licensed elsewhere, often to much lower standards, can work here without proper oversight.”
Councillor Yasmin Khan, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The government must act swiftly to close these loopholes and restore fairness. Our local drivers are committed professionals who follow the rules, invest in their vehicles and training and help keep Crawley moving. They deserve a level playing field, and our residents deserve the confidence that every vehicle operating in our town meets robust safety standards.”
