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Written question asked by Jo Stevens (Labour) on Thursday, 26 September 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 October 2019 (named day). It was answered by George Freeman (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 October 2019 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Taxis: Licensing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when his Department plans to introduce minimum standards for taxis and private hire vehicles in England and Wales in accordance with the Government’s response to Report of the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing.

Answer

Taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) are permitted to undertake pre-booked work outside of the area in which they are licensed. PHVs are subject to a triple licensing lock; the operator fulfilling the request, the driver and vehicle must all be licensed by the same authority. As set out in the Government’s response to the report by the Chair of the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing, which focused on the sector in England (as taxi and PHV policy is a devolved matter), the Government will consider how restrictions on out-of-area journeys might work in practice, with a view to legislation.

The Government response to the report stated that we will bring forward legislation, when time allows, to enable the setting of national minimum standards in taxi and PHV licensing. We encourage licensing authorities to make full use of their extensive existing powers to protect passengers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
291402
Session
2017-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Licensing Taxis Standards
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk