NPHTA
UPDATE...NPHTA UPDATE Enforcement can only be evidence-based.
Where intended-use policies already operate effectively for taxis, there is experience to draw upon.
It can also provide evidence that supports other enforcement activity. The principle really can be that straightforward.
Drivers and operators – perhaps the easier part
Standardising driver requirements should arguably be relatively straightforward because many common elements are already established.
These include areas such as Group 2 medical standards and enhanced DBS checks.
There remain details to resolve - including the curious concept of mid-term medical “self-declarations” - but compared with some of the structural reforms, driver standards should be achievable.
And yes, we are still pushing for improvements to the DBS Update Service payment system.
Requiring subscriptions to depend upon expiring or replaced payment cards creates completely avoidable failures.
Moving towards a more reliable recurring payment arrangement would remove a problem the trade has complained about for years.
Operator standards should also be comparatively straightforward, as many requirements are already similar across authorities.
Vehicles will undoubtedly take longer.
But even that may prove considerably easier than aligning the policies, procedures, fees, turnaround times and decision-making processes of the new and reorganised licensing authorities.
So - where are we now?
The encouraging answer is that this is no longer simply a debate about whether taxi and private hire licensing needs reform.
The detailed work has begun. l The DfT is engaging with stakeholders. l National standards are being discussed in detail.
PHTM SEPTEMBER 2026 fighting for our trade for over 30 years 13
l Accessibility is being examined. l Predominant out-of-area use is firmly on the agenda. l National enforcement is part of the conversation.
And crucially, there is recognition that reform cannot simply impose new national requirements upon drivers, operators and vehicle proprietors while allowing regulators themselves to continue operating under dramatically different systems.
There is still a very long way to go. Many of the most difficult questions have yet to be resolved, and we still have a great deal more to discuss.
The hope is that proposals will move towards public consultation before the end of the year, potentially allowing further announcements during 2027.
Nothing should therefore be regarded as a done deal.
But after years of talking about a fragmented licensing system, licence shopping, inconsistent standards, predominant out-of-area use and enforcement difficulties, there is now a genuine opportunity to reshape the system.
The important thing is that we get it right.
National standards must mean meaningful national standards.
Local flexibility must be evidence-based, not arbitrary.
Accessibility policy must improve actual provision rather than simply improve statistics.
And local licensing must once again have a meaningful connection with the communities that licences are intended to serve.
There is still plenty of work ahead.
But finally, the conversation has moved from “does the system need fixing?” to “how are we going to fix it?” And that is progress.
0161 280 2800
JOIN TODAY
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 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78
