Safety of women and girls is the focus of Govt’s overhaul of licensing system

Government plans to overhaul taxi licensing aim to curb out-of-area working and improve passenger safety in the West Midlands, with a particular focus on protecting women and girls.

Out-of-area working occurs when drivers obtain a licence in one area but operate elsewhere, often to take advantage of less stringent rules.

Ministers say the practice can undermine safety and create unfair competition.

Govt aims to simplify the licensing system

Under proposals launched in a Department for Transport consultation, responsibility for licensing would move from 263 bodies, including councils and Transport for London, to 70 local transport authorities that already oversee local transport planning. 

The Government says this would simplify the system, strengthen enforcement and reduce opportunities for drivers to shop around for weaker standards.

The changes would significantly cut the number of licensing boundaries. 

Steps taken in response to national review of child sexual exploitation

The proposals form part of the Government’s response to Baroness Casey’s national audit on group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse, which highlighted the risks linked to out-of-area working and called for tougher statutory standards.

Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said: “Passenger safety is at the heart of everything we do. 

“These proposals, combined with the introduction of national minimum standards, are important next steps to making taxis and private hire vehicles as safe as possible.

“By moving licensing to all local transport authorities, we’re encouraging greater consistency and stronger enforcement across the country.”

Passenger safety is the aim

A spokesperson for the Licensed Private Hire Car Association said: “Reducing the number of licensing authorities should enable licensing efficiencies and consistency of standards nationally for taxis and private hire vehicles, which in turn will improve safety for the travelling public.”

The 12-week consultation is available on the DfT website. Ministers are also seeking powers for the Transport Secretary to introduce national minimum standards, ensuring all drivers face robust checks wherever they operate.