DfT progressing taxi and private hire licensing reform but no firm dates announced

The Department for Transport (DfT) has provided a further update on its programme of taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing reform, confirming that work is continuing across several key policy areas but without announcing firm implementation dates for most measures.

In an email update to stakeholders, the DfT said engagement with the sector through ministerial roundtables and workshops has helped shape ongoing policy development and informed work on a draft Bill that is expected to be brought forward for pre-legislative scrutiny during the current parliamentary session.

The department reiterated its intention to publish a consultation on National Standards for taxi and PHV licensing by the end of the year. The standards, enabled through powers in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment (EDCE) Act, are expected to focus on consistent safety and accessibility requirements and set out circumstances in which licences may be granted, suspended or revoked.

The DfT also confirmed that work is progressing to commence new enforcement powers under the EDCE Act. These powers would allow licensing authorities to immediately suspend a taxi or PHV licence operating in their area, regardless of the authority that issued it, where there is an urgent safety justification.

Meanwhile, the Government said a response to its consultation on making all Local Transport Authorities in England responsible for taxi and PHV licensing will be published shortly. More than 1,100 submissions were received during the consultation.

The update follows publication of the Government’s response to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee’s inquiry into taxi and PHV licensing and signals continued momentum behind wider reforms to licensing, enforcement, safety and regulatory consistency across England.

While the department stressed that stakeholder engagement is continuing and detailed proposals are still being developed, the latest update indicates that significant work on taxi and PHV licensing reform remains underway, with further announcements expected in the coming months.

The DfT will be attending the forthcoming Institute of Licensing National Training Conference in Stratford-upon-Avon. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear directly from the department and other leading stakeholders during the conference session “Taxis: The Need for Reform – Licensing Reform, National Standards, Information Sharing” on Wednesday 18 November.