DAILY CHECKS SAVE LIVES
INCONSISTENT TAXI RULES: THE HIDDEN COMPLIANCE CRISIS
Article by CheckedSafe
info@checkedsafe.com
www.checkedsafe.com
For countless people, taxis aren’t just a transport option, they’re a necessity. In fact, millions of taxi bookings are carried out daily across the UK. Most of us jump in a taxi assuming it is safe and good to go, but is that really the reality?
Hidden dangers?
Most transport sectors have a recognised national standard and framework regarding compliance for the industry they operate in. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the taxi and PH industry. Surprising as it may be there is no recognised national standard. Instead, despite government guidelines, each local council is responsible for setting its own rules for:
l Vehicle safety checks l Licensing drivers l Licensing fees
But is this an issue?
Baroness Casey of Blackstock DBE CB seemed to think so in her June 2025 report called “National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.” She warned inconsistent taxi licensing rules between different councils are creating dangerous loopholes.
In Chapter 7, she highlighted that while some councils go beyond statutory guidance to protect passengers, others apply far weaker standards, and because drivers can apply for a licence anywhere in the country, those weaker rules can undermine stricter local rules. This “cross-border” licensing means a council can set high standards but has no power to enforce them on vehicles licensed elsewhere, even when they operate daily in its own area.
What currently happens?
As far as safety checks are concerned, currently some local authorities have mandated daily checks, but some have no process or procedure for them at all. Vehicles are only spot checked once a year (if at all). Licensing authorities have no visibility of safety checks or vehicle condition. Some authorities are also not
30 l Driver background checks
conducting any background checks on the drivers they license, leading to potential criminals driving your kids to school, and you to work…
All local councils are responsible for setting their own rules, and it’s worth mentioning some are rightly taking a keen interest in setting good standards for their private hire and taxi vehicles. This needs to change.
What needs to change?
CheckedSafe is pushing for a NEW unified national compliance standard for taxis and PHVs that: 1. Mandates a minimum daily pre-use vehicle check
2. Enforces proper background checks for all licensed drivers
3. Implements rules to enforce drivers to license with the local authorities in which they operate
4. New rules regarding the amount of hours taxi drivers can work in a day
5. Mandate standardised national safety standards for the condition of all PH & HC vehicles
6. Regularly audits taxis These relatively simple changes would have
transformative impact on the taxi and PH industry.
A unified national compliance standard would close dangerous loopholes, improve public safety, and restore confidence in a failing system. Daily vehicle checks and regular audits would ensure roadworthiness, while proper background screening and driver hour limits would reduce risks to passengers and drivers alike. Crucially, requiring drivers to be licensed locally would strengthen accountability and bring revenue and enforcement back to the communities where services are actually being provided.
Too often, meaningful change only follows tragedy, but this time we have the chance to act before lives are put at risk. The government has pledged to implement all 12 of Baroness Casey’s recommendations, and the sooner they do, the safer our communities will be.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions, or want to talk to us about how CheckedSafe can help bring consistency, accountability and safety to your taxi fleet, contact us on
info@checkedsafe.com or call 01282 507042.
APRIL 2026 PHTM a
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