The House of Commons Transport Committee is holding the first evidence session of its inquiry into the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) by questioning licensing authority officials and representatives of the workforce.
In Wedneday’s inquiry, MPs will examine how the current system for regulating taxis and PHVs can vary between different licensing authorities across England. Some in the sector have warned that this has created inconsistencies, which make it possible for some licensing authorities’ standards to be circumvented by a local driver applying for a licence in another area which may have less strict standards.
There will be questions on whether the current licensing framework gives local authorities the tools they need to effectively regulate the sector, challenges that arise from cross-border working, enforcement and the growing role of digital ride-hailing platforms.
MPs will also use the session to speak to the workforce of drivers about their conditions, their security and employment rights.
Department for Transport data shows that the number of taxis and PHVs in England has consistently increased since 2005.
However, since 2023, there has been a 10.5% increase in the number of PHV licences issued (reaching 256,600 in 2024). By contrast, the number of taxi licences issued has decreased over the same period by 1.4% to 56,400. The number of taxis in England and Wales outside London reached a high of 58,800 in 2017.
Witnesses from 09:15, Wednesday 15 October
- Paul James, Taxi Driver and Project Manager of Unite the Union Taxi Education, Liverpool
- David Lawrie, Director at the National Private Hire & Taxi Association (NPHTA)
- Eamon O’Hearn, National Officer at the GMB Union
- Andy Mahoney MBE, Official at the Licensed Private Hire Car Association (LPHCA) and Chair of the 24×7 Group
From 10:30
- Helen Chapman, Director of Licensing and Regulation, Transport for London (TfL)
- David Pattison, Chief Operating Officer, City of Wolverhampton Council
- Lee Petrak, Public Protection Commercial Enforcement Manager, Blackpool Council
To watch the proceedings on Parliament TV, click HERE.
(Pic: Yay Images)
