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Written question asked by Julian Knight (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 January 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 January 2022. It was answered by Trudy Harrison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 January 2022 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Taxis: Licensing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans the Government has to clarify legislation for the rest of the UK following the judgement in Uber London Limited v Transport for London & Others [2021] EWHC 3290 (Admin).

Answer

This High Court declaration was on the legislation that applies to private hire vehicle operators in London. Different legislation applies in the rest of the UK. The High Court considered the legislation that applies in the rest of England (except Plymouth) and Wales in reaching its decision on the London legislation, but it did not make a declaration on that legislation. Interpretation of the law is ultimately a matter for the courts and any clarification the Department could give would be couched in such terms.

Taxi and private hire vehicle policy is a devolved matter in all UK nations and any clarification in respect of the legislation that applies in their nation would be a matter for the relevant devolved administrations.

The issue of plying for hire was also considered by the High Court. However, the question of whether a vehicle is plying for hire in particular circumstances is a matter of fact and degree. It is not therefore possible to provide a list of factors which could be sufficiently determinative as to give clear guidance on this matter.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
106746
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Licensing Taxis
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk