ALL THINGS LICENSING
Article by Mike Smith, Joint Deputy Licensing Manager at Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils Shared Regulatory Services and Advisory Council Representative of the IoL South East Region.
Please note that this article represents my own views and is not presented as the views of the IoL nor Guildford or Waverley Borough Councils.
The licensing landscape continues to shift
The pace of change within the taxi and private hire sector continues to accelerate. Recent months have seen significant developments spanning technology, safeguarding, immigration compliance and emerging transport models. For both the trade and licensing authorities, these changes present opportunities as well as challenges.
This month I look at four key developments that are likely to influence licensing policy, operational practice and the future direction of the industry over the coming years.
Autonomous vehicles begin UK rollout
A major milestone was reached on 2 September when London became the first city in the United Kingdom to launch a commercial autonomous private hire vehicle service. Operated through a partnership between Uber and British technology company Wayve, the scheme currently consists of just 15 licensed vehicles operating within the capital.
Although each vehicle still carries a licensed safety driver capable of taking control if required, the cars are designed to navigate London’s complex road network using advanced artificial intelligence technology. The vehicles are fully electric Ford Mustang Mach-E models and passengers are matched with them through the existing Uber app at no additional cost.
More than 100,000 Londoners registered interest in the service ahead of its launch, demonstrating significant public interest in autonomous transport. Competition is also building, with technology companies including Waymo and Baidu actively exploring future opportunities within the UK market.
While fully driverless commercial operations remain subject to future Government approval, the direction of travel is becoming increasingly clear. Autonomous technology is moving from concept to reality. 6
For current members of the trade, autonomous vehicles may understandably generate concerns regarding future employment and the long-term role of licensed drivers. However, widespread adoption remains some distance
away and significant
regulatory, technical and public confidence barriers still need to be overcome.
In the short-to-medium term, drivers are likely to continue playing an important role, particularly in customer service, passenger assistance, safeguarding and managing incidents that technology alone cannot address.
Operators should begin considering how autonomous vehicles may integrate with existing business models. Those who engage positively with technological developments may be better positioned to adapt as the market evolves.
For licensing authorities, questions will inevitably arise around accountability, insurance, enforcement, safe- guarding responsibilities and determining who is responsible if (or when) things go wrong.
The rollout represents the beginning of what is likely to be a substantial regulatory challenge over the coming decade.
Southport inquiry prompts licensing review
The Government has accepted recommendations arising from the first phase of the Southport Inquiry following the tragic attack on 29 July 2024.
Among the issues considered by the inquiry were the actions of the taxi driver who transported Axel Rudakubana to the Hart Space dance studio shortly before the attack occurred. Evidence heard by the inquiry showed that after dropping off the passenger, the driver witnessed distressing scenes and believed gunshots may have been fired. However, he left the area, accepted another fare and did not contact police until approximately 50 minutes later.
Following a review, Sefton Council subsequently
revoked the driver’s licence, concluding that he no longer met the standards required under its licensing policy.
The Government has now accepted recommendations intended to strengthen safeguarding and emergency response expectations across the taxi and PH sector.
OCTOBER 2026 PHTM
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