Institute of Licensing calls for urgent reform of taxi and private hire licensing regime

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has submitted a comprehensive response to the UK Transport Committee’s inquiry into licensing and standards in the taxi and private hire vehicle sectors. 

The Transport Committee’s inquiry explores whether current licensing arrangements enable local authorities to effectively regulate taxis and PHVs in terms of safety, accessibility, and service quality. It seeks evidence on the impact of cross-border licensing, digital platforms, enforcement challenges, and the future implications of autonomous vehicles. The goal is to assess whether reform is needed to ensure consistent standards and effective oversight across the UK.

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In summary, the IoL highlights outdated legislation, cross-border licensing loopholes, and inconsistent standards as key barriers to effective regulation.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.

The full written submission will be published on the Inquiry pages online shortly, available here.

Iol Chief Executive, Paul Adams, said:

“The IoL has submitted it’s written evidence to the Transport Committee to support its view that reform of taxi and private hire licensing is necessary and to highlight areas of particular concern or where improvements will have the most benefit. The IoL’s interest is in achieving effective and proportionate licensing regimes which deliver the intended outcomes while minimising the burdens on regulators and industry.”