DEVOLUTION BILL: Addison Lee backs new taxi ad PHV enforcement powers but calls for tighter controls on out-of-area work
- Perry Richardson
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Addison Lee has welcomed proposed changes to taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) legislation that would allow licensing authorities to suspend drivers and vehicles regardless of where they are licensed, while urging the Government to go further in addressing cross-border working.
Patrick Gallagher, Interim Chief Executive at Addison Lee, said the amendment to the English Devolution Bill represents a “meaningful step forward” in strengthening enforcement and improving public safety across the sector.
The proposed reform would enable local authorities to take immediate action against drivers, vehicles or operators operating within their area, even if licensed by another council. The move is designed to close a long-standing enforcement gap that has allowed some drivers to operate outside their home licensing area with limited oversight.
Gallagher said: “We welcome the Government’s proposed amendment to the English Devolution Bill which would give taxi and PHV licensing authorities the power to temporarily suspend a licence, regardless of which authority originally issued it.
Operator says proposed suspension powers are a step forward but warns more reform is needed to level the playing field
“This is a vital modification to the licensing framework and marks a meaningful step forward in strengthening enforcement and protecting public safety. It is a position Addison Lee has championed for some time, and we are proud to have worked closely with the Department for Transport to help make it a reality.”
The comment places Addison Lee among the larger operators publicly supporting stronger regulatory alignment across licensing authorities, particularly in relation to safeguarding and compliance.
However, the company also indicated that the proposed changes do not fully resolve broader structural issues within the licensing system, particularly around out-of-area bookings, where drivers licensed in lower-cost regions operate extensively in higher-demand urban markets.
Gallagher added: “While this development goes some way towards addressing inconsistencies under the current framework, we believe a percentage-based system for out-of-area bookings would go further in supporting responsible operators and ensuring a level playing field for drivers.”
The suggestion points to growing industry pressure for additional controls on cross-border hiring, with operators arguing that disparities in licensing fees, vehicle standards and regulatory requirements continue to distort competition.
A percentage-based cap on out-of-area work has been proposed by some stakeholders as a way to balance flexibility for drivers with stronger local accountability. However, such a system would likely require significant coordination between licensing authorities and new mechanisms for monitoring trip data.
Gallagher said Addison Lee is seeking continued engagement with policymakers as the bill progresses, adding: “We look forward to continued collaboration with the Government as we work together to build a modern licensing system that truly reflects the needs of those it serves.”
