‘STRONG DEMAND’: MP sought assurance from Transport Secretary on VIABILITY of taxi and PHV trade

Caroline Ansell MP sought assurance from Transport Secretary on the future VIABILITY of the taxi and private hire trade.

Caroline Ansell, the Conservative MP for Eastbourne, asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps are being taken by the Government to ensure the viability of the private hire and hackney carriage trade.

In response, Huw Merriman, the Minister of State at the Department for Transport (DfT), said that the Government is aware of a ‘strong demand’ for the services provided by taxi and private hire vehicle stakeholders. He added that the DfT regularly engages with the sector and the Government will publish revised best practice guidance for licensing authorities in the near future.

The taxi and PHV industry have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with many drivers experiencing financial difficulties as a result of a significant reduction in business. The pandemic has also highlighted the long-standing concerns over the working conditions and remuneration for drivers in the sector.

The response from Huw Merriman will provide some reassurance to the industry. However, it remains to be seen what specific measures the Government will introduce to protect the viability of the sector in the long term. The industry will be eagerly awaiting the revised best practice guidance for licensing authorities to see what steps the Government will take to support the sector and encourage proportionate regulation.

Huw Merriman, DfT Minister of State, said: “The Department has regular engagement with taxi and private hire vehicle stakeholders and understands that there is strong demand for their services. The Government will publish revised best practice guidance for licensing authorities in due course. This will encourage proportionate regulation to enable the sector to deliver safe, accessible, and affordable services that meet the differing needs of passengers.”