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Written question asked by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 November 2023 (named day). It was answered by Guy Opperman (Conservative) on Monday, 20 November 2023 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Taxis: Licensing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department is taking steps with local authorities to ensure that taxi licencing processes support (a) passenger safety and (b) fair competition.

Answer

The Government set out the measures it expects licensing authorities to take to safeguard passengers through the publication of the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards in 2020. Public safety remains the priority of taxi and private hire vehicle licensing, and the Government is clear that where standards need to be high and rigorously applied, they must be.

The Government has published updated Best Practice Guidance to assist licensing authorities in England. The updated guidance challenges licensing authorities to consider the necessity of some requirements that they place on the trade. This approach will provide a framework for fair competition and enable the trade to deliver the range of safe, available, affordable and accessible services required to meet the range of differing passenger needs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
2198
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Competition Licensing Local government Passengers Taxis Safety
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk