ALL THINGS LICENSING
At the heart of the IoL’s submission is a call for national standards that would bring consistency to licensing requirements, training, enforcement and safe- guarding. The existing framework, based on legislation dating back to the 19th century, has failed to keep pace with societal changes, technological advancements and the evolving nature of the taxi and private hire industry. This has led to significant disparities between local authorities, encouraging licence shopping and cross-border working, all of which undermine public safety and regulatory oversight.
One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of enforcement powers for licensing authorities. Vehicles and drivers licensed in one area often operate in another, leaving local authorities powerless to regulate or enforce standards. The IoL argues that licensing officers should be empowered to regulate all vehicles operating in their area, regardless of where they are licensed, and that this must be supported by appropriate funding mechanisms.
The submission also highlights inconsistencies in assessing the suitability of drivers, operators and vehicle proprietors. While statutory guidance exists, its application varies widely. The IoL’s own Suitability Guidance, revised in 2024, offers a robust framework for assessing fitness and propriety, and the Institute recommends its adoption as the basis for national standards. Barriers to information sharing between police and licensing authorities further complicate these assessments, and the IoL calls for legislative changes to facilitate better collaboration and data exchange.
Training is another area of concern. There are currently no national standards for driver training, leading to wide variation in requirements across local authorities. The IoL supports mandatory training in safeguarding, disability awareness, and County Lines exploitation, and encourages collaborative approaches to standardise training across regions.
PHTM OCTOBER 2025
Digital ride-hailing platforms have transformed the sector, offering benefits such as cashless payments and journey tracking, but also exacerbating cross- border issues. The IoL notes that while these platforms are subject to the same licensing requirements as traditional operators, their national reach and operational models challenge local regulatory frameworks. Reform must address these challenges without compromising safety or accessibility, particularly in rural areas where digital platforms may be less effective.
Looking ahead, the rollout of autonomous vehicles presents a significant threat to the traditional taxi and private hire sector. The IoL warns that current proposals bypass the licensing regime entirely, potentially undermining regulated services and employment. Local authorities must retain a meaningful role in approving autonomous services, and the impact on vulnerable passengers and community-based transport must be carefully considered.
The IoL also addresses the role of regional transport authorities, cautioning against centralising licensing functions at the expense of local accountability and expertise. While regional authorities may offer economies of scale, they risk losing the nuanced understanding of local transport needs and challenges.
In conclusion: the IoL advocates for a unified, modernised licensing framework that prioritises public safety, regulatory consistency and effective enforcement. Reform should be collaborative across England and Wales, with national standards forming the foundation of a fair and transparent system.
The Institute stands ready to support this work and urges government officials to engage in meaningful dialogue to shape the future of taxi and PHV licensing.
TfL proposes new licensing regime for London pedicabs
On a more immediate note with regard to legislation, Transport for London (TfL) has launched a public consultation on detailed proposals to
regulate
pedicabs operating in the capital. The plans follow the introduction of the Pedicabs (London) Act 2024, which gives TfL powers to license rather than ban pedicabs, responding to widespread concerns raised in an earlier consultation.
63
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74
