Taxi & PHV regulations reform will “continue to be looked at” says Parliamentary Under Secretary

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Rachel Maclean, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Department of Transport, has said that the Government will continue to engage with the taxi and private hire sector to introduce new legislation surrounding vehicle licensing.

During a parliamentary discussion, Sam Tarry, Shadow Minister for Transport, addressed recommendations put forward by the Task and Finish Group in 2018, asking the Under Secretary what progress had been made in implementing the changes.

The Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing was established in September 2017.

The group's remit was to consider evidence relating to the adequacy of current taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authority powers, as set out in legislation and guidance, and to make recommendations for actions to address any priority issues identified.

During the recent discussions, which took place on 25 February, Rachel Maclean said: “The Government will continue to engage with the sector on our plans for reforming the regulations of taxis and private hire vehicles, including options to introduce new legislation.

”The Department is supporting licensing authorities to make use of their extensive existing powers through the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards issued last year and will consult on updated best practice guidance later this year.”