Bury Council calls for urgent reform of taxi regulation

Bury Council has called for an end to out-of-area taxi licensing, urging the government to close legal loopholes that allow drivers licensed in one area to operate freely in another. The council argues that this practice undermines local standards, limits enforcement powers, and poses risks to passenger safety.

In a recent statement, Bury Council highlighted growing concerns from residents and councillors about the inability to regulate drivers who are not licensed locally, despite operating extensively within the borough.

The council’s position aligns with the Institute of Licensing (IoL), which has submitted evidence to the Transport Committee’s inquiry into taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing.

The IoL warns that outdated legislation and fragmented standards are compromising public protection and regulatory effectiveness. It calls for national minimum standards, improved enforcement powers, and mandatory use of the national register of driver refusals and revocations (NR3S). The institute also stresses the need for better data sharing with police and consistent requirements for vehicles and drivers across England and Wales.

Both Bury Council and the IoL argue that cross-border licensing has created a regulatory grey area, where local authorities are unable to apply their own safety and suitability checks to drivers operating within their jurisdiction. They caution that without reform, digital platforms and emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles could further erode public confidence in the licensing system.

Drawing on expertise from across local authorities, legal practitioners, and industry representatives, the IoL highlights the urgent need for national standards, improved enforcement powers, and legislative reform to address inconsistencies, safeguard passengers, and support professional drivers.

In summary, the IoL highlights outdated legislation, cross-border licensing loopholes, and inconsistent standards as key barriers to effective regulation. It supports national suitability guidance, improved police data sharing, and consistent vehicle and driver requirements across England and Wales.