MP raises concerns over inconsistent private hire vehicle licensing application times across England
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
A series of questions in Parliament has drawn attention to inconsistent processing times for private hire vehicle (PHV) licence applications across English local authorities, with concerns growing over the impact of such delays on drivers and the wider trade.
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Richard Holden, submitted written questions asking what assessment the Government has made of the variation in time taken to process PHV licence applications and the effects of prolonged delays on applicants.
Responding on behalf of the Government, Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Transport, said the department encourages licensing authorities to consider how best to carry out their statutory licensing duties efficiently. He acknowledged that efficient licensing systems benefit current and prospective drivers, as well as passengers who rely on accessible services.
Although the Government has issued best practice guidance, there remains no uniform timeframe for licence application decisions. The current system allows each authority to set its own processes and timelines, which has led to significant disparities in how quickly applications are approved or rejected across different parts of the country.
Delays in processing can leave new drivers unable to work for extended periods, particularly in areas experiencing backlogs or resource constraints. For existing drivers looking to renew or change vehicles, delays may also impact income if vehicles cannot be legally operated.
Delays can also deter new entrants to the trade, increase uncertainty, and reduce the availability of licensed vehicles in areas with growing passenger demand.
The Department’s ongoing review into taxi and PHV licensing practices, which is also being examined by the Transport Committee inquiry, may provide an opportunity to address these issues. Licensing reform and calls for greater standardisation remain central topics under discussion.
Lightwood said: “The Department for Transport best practice guidance to licensing authorities in England is clear that all authorities should consider how best to deliver the statutory function of taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. Providing an efficient licensing system benefits both those in the trade and those wishing to enter it, and passengers through greater choice and availability of services.”
