Welsh cross border taxi and private hire work issue remains devolved issue, says DfT Minister
- Perry Richardson
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Concerns around cross border taxi and private hire work continue to surface, with recent questions raised in Parliament over how the practice is regulated in Wales.
Labour MP for Cardiff West, Alex Barros-Curtis, questioned whether the UK Government intends to close loopholes that allow licensed taxi drivers to operate in areas where they are not licensed. These concerns centre on drivers licensed in one area picking up passengers in another, often across council or regional boundaries, raising issues around enforcement, safety and local accountability.
In response, Department for Transport Minister Simon Lightwood confirmed that decisions on taxi and private hire vehicle regulation in Wales fall under the responsibility of the Welsh Government. The matter is fully devolved, meaning it is up to the Senedd to decide whether changes are needed to address concerns over cross border working.
Cross border hiring occurs when a taxi or private hire driver, licensed by one authority, works in another authority’s area. While the practice is currently legal under certain conditions, it is often seen as undermining local licensing rules. Licensing standards can differ significantly between authorities, particularly in terms of driver vetting, vehicle standards and fare structures.
Welsh local authorities and trade groups have previously called for stronger enforcement powers and clearer rules to manage cross border activity. However, efforts to unify standards or restrict such practices have so far not advanced beyond consultations.
The Welsh Government has responsibility for all matters relating to taxi licensing and regulation within Wales. This includes driver licensing, vehicle checks, fare setting and enforcement powers. Any proposed changes to close perceived loopholes in cross border hiring must therefore be considered and legislated by the Senedd.
Lightwood said: “Responsibility for taxi and private hire vehicle policy is devolved to the Welsh Assembly. It is therefore for the Welsh Government to consider any changes to the regulation of the sector in Wales.”
