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MPs urging Portsmouth taxi and private hire drivers to have say on licensing reform
Taxi and private hire drivers across Portsmouth are being invited to help shape the future of licensing in England by taking part in a new survey.
Portsmouth MPs Stephen Morgan and Amanda Martin are asking drivers to share their experiences of the current licensing system and identify areas they believe need to change.
The call for views comes as the Government considers changes to taxi and private hire licensing. There are currently 263 licensing authorities across England, with different rules, costs and standards applying between areas.
The MPs are seeking feedback on several issues affecting the trade, including differences between licensing authorities, out-of-area working and enforcement.
Drivers will also be able to give their views on app-based bookings and vehicle requirements, as well as the possibility of creating a national database of licensed drivers and vehicles.
Responses from Portsmouth drivers will be used to inform the MPs’ work in Parliament and their discussions surrounding possible changes to the licensing system.
Drivers are being encouraged to complete the short online survey and provide their experiences of operating under the current arrangements.
Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said: “Drivers deserve a licensing system that is fair, consistent and proportionate, while passengers deserve to know that safety standards are being properly enforced.
“This is an opportunity for drivers to have their voices heard and help shape the reforms that could affect the industry for years to come.
“I am particularly interested in hearing about the impact of different licensing requirements, out-of-area working and the challenges councils face in enforcing the rules.”
Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin, said: “Taxi and private hire drivers are an essential part of our local communities, but too often the people doing the job feel that the licensing system is working against them rather than supporting them.
“We want to hear directly from drivers about what is and isn’t working, and what a fairer system would look like.
“As a member of the Department for Transport team I’ll be making sure the ideas and concerns we hear are fed directly into ministers.”
