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MP questions London black cab support prompting government minister to confirm discussions around accessibility and commercial viability
The Department for Transport (DfT) says it is engaging with London stakeholders on accessibility, passenger choice and commercial viability as it develops national taxi licensing standards.
In a written parliamentary answer, Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said: “We are currently engaging with stakeholders to understand the challenges facing taxi services, including issues relating to accessibility, passenger choice and commercial viability.” He added that feedback would help shape future policy reforms, including the forthcoming national standards.
The statement came in response to Andrew Rosindell, Reform UK MP for Romford, who asked what steps the Transport Secretary had taken to work with Transport for London to support the Black Cab sector.
Lightwood said the Government recognised taxis’ “distinct role in the transport network”. He noted their provision of rank and street-hail services and said they remained an important transport option for many passengers.
The response did not specify which London stakeholders the Department is consulting, whether TfL is among them, or how the engagement is being conducted. It also did not set out any measures specifically aimed at London’s black cab trade.
The Government said the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 had enabled national standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing, with the aim of improving consistency and oversight across England. No timetable for introducing the standards was included in the answer.
The consultation priorities named by Lightwood point to several issues the Government says will inform its policy work.
Minister Lightwood said in full: “We recognise taxis' distinct role in the transport network. They continue to provide unique services, including rank and street-hail work, and remain an important mode of transport for many passengers.
“To support a thriving taxi sector, we have been actively considering regulatory reform by developing a modern legislative framework. Through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, we have legislated to enable the setting of national standards for taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing, improving consistency and oversight across England.
“We are currently engaging with stakeholders to understand the challenges facing taxiservices, including issues relating to accessibility, passenger choice and commercial viability. Insights from this engagement will help shape future policy reforms, including the development of forthcoming national standards.”
