New updated Best Practice Guidance to set the framework for ‘fair competition’ says DfT minister

New updated Best Practice Guidance will set the framework for ‘fair competition’ says Department for Transport (DfT) minister.

Guy Opperman MP, a minister for the DfT, faced a written question which focused on the steps taken by Government regarding taxi licensing processes supporting passenger safety and fair competition.

Opperman replied highlighting the importance of public safety and fair competition within the taxi and private hire vehicle industry. Opperman emphasised that the Government expects licensing authorities to prioritise passenger safety and ensure that high standards are upheld.

To support this objective, Opperman mentioned the publication of the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards in 2020. These guidelines outline the measures that licensing authorities should undertake to safeguard passengers. The minister stressed that these standards must be rigorously applied to maintain public safety.

In addition to the existing guidelines, the Government has recently released updated Best Practice Guidance for licensing authorities in England. This revised guidance challenges authorities to reassess the necessity of certain requirements imposed on the trade.

Guy Opperman MP, a minister for the Department of Transport, said: “The Government set out the measures it expects licensing authorities to take to safeguard passengers through the publication of the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards in 2020. Public safety remains the priority of taxi and private hire vehicle licensing, and the Government is clear that where standards need to be high and rigorously applied, they must be.

“The Government has published updated Best Practice Guidance to assist licensing authorities in England. The updated guidance challenges licensing authorities to consider the necessity of some requirements that they place on the trade. This approach will provide a framework for fair competition and enable the trade to deliver the range of safe, available, affordable and accessible services required to meet the range of differing passenger needs.”