DfT signals they are still ‘considering further action’ on cross-border private hire enforcement as MPs raises licensing question
- Perry Richardson
- 8 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Department for Transport (DfT) has acknowledged ongoing concerns over the ability of local authorities to effectively enforce standards against private hire vehicles licensed in one area but operating predominantly in another, as pressure grows for stronger national controls.
In a written parliamentary answer published on 15 December, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the Government is actively considering further options on out-of-area working and enforcement powers, while pressing ahead with legislation aimed at addressing inconsistencies in taxi and private hire licensing standards across England.
The response followed a question from Andrew Snowden MP, who asked what assessment had been made of whether existing powers were sufficient for local licensing authorities to enforce rules against vehicles operating beyond their licensing area.
Greenwood said the Department for Transport is legislating through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which would allow for the introduction of national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. The move is intended to address long-standing concerns about regulatory variation between councils and the operational challenges created by cross-border working.
Government points to national minimum standards legislation and interim joint enforcement measures
Out-of-area working has been a persistent issue for the taxi and private hire sector, particularly in urban and suburban markets, where vehicles licensed in authorities with lower fees or less stringent conditions frequently operate elsewhere. Local councils have repeatedly argued that this undermines enforcement, passenger safety oversight and local regulatory control.
While wider reforms are under consideration, Greenwood pointed to existing mechanisms available to councils. She said the department’s statutory guidance advises licensing authorities to jointly authorise enforcement officers across council boundaries where there is a clear operational need.
Industry bodies and licensing officers have long argued that these interim arrangements rely heavily on cooperation between authorities and police forces, which can be inconsistent in practice and resource intensive to maintain.
The Government has not set a timeline for when further measures on out-of-area working might be introduced, but the reference to ongoing consideration suggests the issue remains live as ministers seek to balance local control with national consistency in the private hire market.
Minister Greenwood said: “The Department for Transport is legislating to tackle inconsistent standards of taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill would enable the setting of national minimum standards in licensing.
“We are considering further options including in relation to out of area working and enforcement powers.
“In the interim, as recommended in the Department’s guidance to licensing authorities in England, enforcement officers should be jointly authorised by authorities where there is a need. The guidance also highlights that licensing authorities can seek further powers from their local police chief constables under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS).”
