TRANSPORT COMMITTEE INQUIRY NPHTA: FURTHER EVIDENCE
AND RESPONSES TO VERBAL EVIDENCE
1. Allegation that drivers are sleeping in cars and drug use
When Paul James from Unite made this statement during the oral evidence committee meeting, both myself and everyone present in the public gallery were shocked by such an unexpected and serious allegation. The remark was so concerning that Andy Mahoney immediately intervened, clearly stating that he had never encountered any such issues.
Since then, we have received numerous messages both from our members and from those who viewed the proceedings, expressing outrage at such a defamatory and unfounded statement directed against an entire industry.
Whilst we acknowledge that, as in any profession, there may be a small minority of individuals who engage in inappropriate or illegal behaviour, it is wholly inaccurate and unfair to suggest that our industry as a whole is associated with habitual drug use or that drivers routinely sleep in their vehicles. There is absolutely no evidence to support such damaging and irresponsible allegations.
Suggestion / summary:
Remove these allegations from the record as being false, misleading, and dangerous.
2. Repetitive training courses for drivers We do not believe that there is any meaningful benefit or advantage to drivers - or to the travelling public - from requiring drivers to repeatedly undertake the same training courses. Where such repetitive testing is in place, it serves only as a waste of time, effort, and money for drivers, while providing nothing more than a revenue stream for the course providers.
Furthermore, we see no justification for requiring private hire drivers to complete wheelchair accessibility training unless they specifically intend to drive fully wheelchair-accessible vehicles. For those applicants, the training should focus on how to assist passengers with limited mobility - for example, helping them safely transfer from a wheelchair to a vehicle seat, and folding and securing the wheelchair appropriately in the
PHTM NOVEMBER 2025
luggage area. This approach aligns with the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Bill introduced by Peter Gibson MP:
https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/2912
We fully support the requirement for first-time applicants to complete such courses, as they provide valuable foundational knowledge and promote high standards among new entrants to the industry. However, once a driver has successfully completed and passed a course, repeating the exact same material every three years - with little or no change to course content - is counterproductive and unnecessary.
We would instead support refresher training only where there is clear evidence of a lack
understanding or competence. For example: l Where a driver demonstrates poor driving habits
l Where safeguarding concerns arise, requiring the driver to repeat the safeguarding module could form part of targeted enforcement action. Many local authorities already adopt such a risk-based and proportionate approach, which we believe is fair and effective.
Finally, we believe that the same training courses should also be mandatory for all licensing officers, committee members, and police officers involved in licensing enforcement. This would allow them to gain the same practical insights and understanding as drivers, rather than receiving training limited solely to the legislative aspects of the role.
Suggestion / summary:
When considering national standards, entry level courses should be entry level only. Reassessment should only be required when supported by evidence.
3. Full WAV policies
Having not only owned and driven a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), but also enjoyed many years working within the nursing home sector, I have a deep personal and professional understanding of the needs of both disabled and elderly communities, as well as practical experience in the safe transportation of wheelchair users.
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