Government eyes national database covering every taxi and PHV driver in England, reveals Transport Minister
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
The UK Government is considering creating a comprehensive national database containing the details of every licensed taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) driver, vehicle and operator as part of wider reforms to the sector’s regulatory framework.
The potential change was outlined in a written parliamentary response by Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood to questions from Joe Robertson.
Robertson asked the Department for Transport whether it would establish “a national database of licensed taxi and private hire vehicle drivers accessible to licensing authorities”. In response, Greenwood confirmed that data sharing requirements between authorities have already been introduced and may be expanded further.
Greenwood said: “Since 2023 all licensing authorities have been required to use a national licensing database to facilitate the sharing of information when a taxi or private hire vehicle driver has had a licence refused, suspended or revoked on the grounds of safeguarding, road safety or equality discrimination concerns.”
Ministers say plans under review could standardise driver checks and expand national data sharing across the taxi and private hire sector.
She added that the department is exploring broader regulatory changes to the industry that could significantly expand the scope of that system. “The Department for Transport (DfT) is considering options to reform the regulation of the sector, and as part of this intends to have a national licensing database with the details of every driver, vehicle and private hire vehicle operator licence.”
Such a database would represent a major step towards national oversight of a sector currently regulated primarily by local authorities. Licensing bodies across England issue driver and operator licences independently, although information-sharing measures were introduced in recent years following concerns that drivers who lost licences in one area could attempt to reapply elsewhere.
Robertson also asked whether the Government plans to introduce a single national definition of what constitutes a “fit and proper person” to hold a taxi or PHV driver licence. The question relates to ongoing debate about consistency in driver vetting standards between licensing authorities.
In her response, Greenwood indicated that legislative proposals currently progressing through Parliament could give ministers the ability to set minimum licensing requirements at a national level. She said: “The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently being considered by the House of Lords, seeks to provide a power for the Secretary of State to set in regulations requirements that must be met for any taxi or private hire vehicle licence to be issued and held.”
Industry stakeholders have long debated whether more standardised national rules could improve passenger safety and reduce regulatory disparities between areas. At present, while the DfT issues statutory standards and guidance, licensing decisions remain the responsibility of local councils.
The Government has not yet set out detailed proposals for how a full national licensing database would operate or when reforms could be introduced. However, Greenwood’s response signals that further structural changes to taxi and private hire regulation are under consideration as ministers review the sector’s framework.
