New powers proposed to let councils suspend out-of-area taxi licences instantly

Amendments to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill would give councils across England new powers to immediately suspend taxi and private hire licences issued by other authorities, in a move aimed at strengthening public safety.

The proposals, tabled by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, would allow enforcement officers to act on the spot where a driver, vehicle or operator is working outside their licensed area and is considered a risk. Currently, cross-border licensing can limit how quickly local authorities respond when concerns arise.

Under the amendments, an enforcement officer could suspend a licence with immediate effect if a vehicle is operating within their area and urgent action is deemed necessary in the interests of public safety. The power would apply regardless of which English authority originally granted the licence.

A suspension would take effect as soon as notice is issued and would initially last up to 48 hours. During that time, the licence holder would be barred from operating. Officers would be required to notify the relevant licensing authority within 24 hours if it differs from their own, while safeguards ensure the licence holder is informed even if they were not the driver at the time.

The authority that issued the licence would then decide whether to lift the suspension, extend it, or take further regulatory action. The amendments also include provisions for appeals to a magistrates’ court and the possibility of compensation in cases where suspensions are found to be unjustified or procedures were not properly followed.

The changes are part of wider reforms within the Bill to introduce more consistent national standards and improve enforcement across local authority boundaries. The legislation remains under parliamentary scrutiny, with the proposed powers likely to be a key focus for debate among industry groups and safety advocates.