Transport Committee opens taxi and private hire licensing review with first oral evidence session

The House of Commons Transport Committee has formally launched its inquiry into taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing and standards with its first oral evidence session held on 15 October 2025. The session marks the beginning of a comprehensive review aimed at evaluating the effectiveness, consistency, and future direction of licensing frameworks across England.

The inquiry, announced earlier this year, responds to growing concerns about disparities in licensing practices, the rise of app-based ride-hailing platforms, and the need to balance passenger safety, driver welfare, and market competition. The committee is examining whether current legislation—primarily the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847—remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving transport landscape.

Key areas under review include cross-border hiring, enforcement powers, accessibility standards, environmental sustainability, and the role of local authorities in regulating both taxis and PHVs. The inquiry also seeks to understand how technological innovation and changing consumer behaviour are reshaping the sector.

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has made a detailed submission to the committee, calling for urgent reform of the taxi and PHV licensing regime. In its evidence, the IoL highlighted the fragmented nature of current legislation and the challenges faced by licensing authorities in maintaining consistent standards. It emphasised the need for a national framework that supports local decision-making while ensuring public safety and fair competition.

Among its recommendations, the IoL urged the government to:

• Introduce a single consolidated licensing statute for taxis and PHVs.
• Strengthen enforcement powers for local authorities, particularly in relation to out-of-area vehicles.
• Mandate national minimum standards for vehicle safety, accessibility, and driver conduct.
• Improve data-sharing mechanisms between licensing bodies and operators.

The Transport Committee’s first oral evidence session featured testimony from industry stakeholders, regulators, and policymakers.

Discussions focused on the operational pressures facing licensing authorities, the impact of inconsistent standards on passenger safety, and the regulatory challenges posed by digital platforms such as Uber and Bolt.

Committee Chair Iain Stewart MP reiterated the importance of the inquiry in shaping future policy. “This review is an opportunity to ensure that taxi and private hire licensing is robust, fair, and responsive to the needs of passengers and drivers alike,” he said.

The inquiry is expected to continue with further evidence sessions and written submissions over the coming months, culminating in a report with recommendations for legislative and regulatory reform.