HC Publishes Taxi & PH Report

Today the House of Commons’ (HC) Transport Committee published its ‘Raising the Standard: Licensing of Taxis & Private Hire Vehicles‘ Report.  It follows an earlier inquiry focussed on the effects of digital ride hailing platforms and cross-border activities.  In reaching certain conclusions, the Committee makes some 18 recommendations to Government for modernisation of the existing licensing system.  This includes, but is not limited to, for example:

• Bringing app-based operators within the licensing framework;
• Developing a plan to incentivise drivers to remain in the licensed local area;
• Setting high national minimum standards to avoid low levels and licence shopping;
• Establishing a national database for drivers and operators;
• Commencing a consultation on manadating CCTV;
• Creating a plan for increasing wheelchair accessible vehicle availability.

The recommendations are broad in scope and, for the most part, suggests provisions (or requirements) for inclusion within the, as yet defined, national minimum standards.  Ultimately, how much weight is given to these, by Government, remains to be seen.