ALL THINGS LICENSING The new strategy offers several clear benefits:
• Safer road environment Tougher enforcement and improved infrastructure will make daily driving safer for professional drivers.
• Enhanced public confidence Passengers are more likely to choose regulated transport services when they trust the roads and the vehicles using them.
4. Stricter enforcement on uninsured and unsafe vehicles
The strategy includes targeted action on illegal number plates, uninsured vehicles and cars without a valid MOT, all of which are identified as significant contributors to collision risk.
Again, this should help protect legitimate operators from unfair competition by non-compliant drivers, and will enhance passenger confidence in the regulated taxi and PHV sector, helping level the playing field on enforcement.
5. Mandatory vehicle safety technology
A landmark change is the plan to mandate 18 new vehicle safety technologies, including autonomous emergency
braking (AEB) and lane keeping
assistance, aligning UK standards more closely with EU regulations.
This may mean that future taxi and PHV fleets, including hybrids, EVs, and purpose built vehicles, will benefit from improved safety features. Consequently, fewer collisions may mean reduced insurance premiums and less off road downtime. Technologies, such as AEB, are particularly beneficial for stop start urban driving where taxis spend most of their time.
6. Work related road safety charter
A new National Work-Related Road Safety Charter will set standards for businesses whose staff drive for work, including improved risk management and reporting.
For the licensed trade, Taxi and PHV operators may be encouraged, or even required, to adopt higher safety management standards.
The taxi and PHV industry operates on the frontline of road safety. Every shift exposes drivers to variable weather, high density traffic, vulnerable road users, and unpredictable passenger behaviour.
PHTM FEBRUARY 2025
• Potential for lower operating costs Mandatory safety technologies can reduce collision frequency, insurance claims and vehicle downtime; all of which directly affect trade profitability.
• Increased demand As lower drink drive limits and stronger enforcement may push more
travellers, towards taxis and PHVs.
• Clearer National Standards As the Work Related Road Safety Charter and consistent guidance on driver fitness could unify licensing expectations nationwide, reducing inconsistency between local authorities.
Conclusion
The UK Government’s new Road Safety Strategy represents one of the most significant shifts in transport policy for more than ten years. With its emphasis on safer vehicles, better trained drivers, improved infrastructure, and stronger enforcement, the strategy has the potential to transform the operating environment for taxis and PHVs.
While some reforms may introduce additional compliance requirements, the overall direction; safer roads, clearer standards, and more predictable regulation, is overwhelmingly positive for the licensed trade. The sector now has an opportunity to align closely with national safety ambitions and position itself as a central pillar of safe, sustainable urban mobility.
Therefore, with so much change again on the horizon it is vital that the licensed trade keep up to date with one of the best ways being joining the Institute of Licensing.
For full details, please visit:
www.instituteoflicensing.org
65 people, especially nighttime
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