Transport Secretary responds to Blackpool MP's calls for urgent taxi reform amid rising concerns over out-of-area vehicles
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
Labour MP for Blackpool South, Chris Webb, has called for urgent action to address what he describes as a licensing system failing both passengers and the local economy.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Webb criticised the continued operation of taxis licensed outside Blackpool within the town, warning that the issue is undermining passenger safety, draining income from the council-owned bus service, and restricting economic growth.
He claimed the impact on Blackpool Transport Services has already cost the public operator nearly £1.5 million, adding that local businesses and transport operators are being “held back” by the loophole allowing out-of-area vehicles to work freely in the resort town.
Webb urged the Secretary of State for Transport to reform the licensing scheme so that only locally licensed vehicles and drivers can operate in Blackpool. He said this would help keep passengers safe and ensure that revenue generated from taxi services supports the local economy.
Responding to the concerns, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that the Government remains committed to tackling inconsistencies in taxi licensing. She referenced the findings of Baroness Louise Casey’s review on child sexual exploitation, noting that it had highlighted serious regulatory gaps in the sector.
Alexander stated that the Government is considering a range of measures, including reforms to out-of-area working, setting national licensing standards and improving enforcement. The aim, she said, is to secure better outcomes for public safety.
Alexander said: “Following the sobering recommendations of Baroness Louise Casey in her review on child sexual exploitation, this Government are more committed than ever to tackling this issue. We have committed to legislating to address inconsistency in driver licensing, and we are considering all options, including on out-of-area working, national standards and better enforcement, to ensure the best overall outcomes for passenger safety.”
Operators licensed in other towns and cities can legally accept work in Blackpool due to current cross-border hiring rules. Councils across the country have warned for some time that this reduces the ability of local licensing authorities to enforce rules effectively, and puts pressure on locally compliant drivers.
In Blackpool, this has reportedly led to frustration among drivers operating under tighter local rules, who see out-of-town vehicles taking jobs without adhering to the same checks or requirements. Local councillors and licensing officials have repeatedly called for Government intervention to close what they see as a regulatory gap.
The issue is not unique to Blackpool. Licensing authorities across the UK have raised similar concerns, calling for powers to be returned to local councils to determine who can operate within their boundaries.
No timeline for legislation has yet been confirmed, but pressure continues to build as local authorities, unions and MPs raise the matter in Parliament and public forums.
