Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 December 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 December 2010. It was answered by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 20 December 2010 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Taxis: Licensing

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether local authorities are required to determine the suitability of an individual to hold a (a) hackney and (b) private hire licence; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The legislation governing taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing places a statutory duty on local licensing authorities to ensure that any person to whom they grant a taxi or PHV driver licence is a fit and proper person. Local authorities have responsibility for deciding what constitutes 'fit and proper', for the standards that they impose for the granting of a licence and for subsequent enforcement.The Department for Transport has provided best practice guidance to assist local licensing authorities in carrying out their taxi licensing responsibilities. The guidance includes advice about assessing taxi driver licence applicants. It can be found on the Department's website at:"www.dft.gov.uk"

Secondary information