Government considers overhaul of ‘archaic’ taxi and PHV licensing regime

The Department for Transport has signalled that major reform of England’s taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing system is under active consideration, following a series of parliamentary questions from Labour MP Connor Naismith.

Naismith asked ministers to assess whether the current framework adequately supports both traditional private hire operators and app‑based platforms working across multiple local authority areas, and whether the statutory regime should be updated to reflect technological and operational changes since the legislation was first introduced. He also pressed the Government on how consistency in licensing rules can be ensured nationwide.

Responding, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood described the existing system as “archaic, fragmented and inconsistent”, confirming that officials are looking holistically at how regulation could be modernised to deliver safe, affordable and accessible services for passengers. She said the Department already issues guidance to licensing authorities to promote consistency, but further reform is being pursued.

Greenwood highlighted that the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill includes a proposed power to set national licensing standards—aimed at ensuring robust, uniform requirements across all local authorities.