The GMB union has called on ministers to ensure drivers have a central role in shaping the Government’s planned national minimum standards for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing. The intervention follows the announcement that the Transport Secretary will be given powers to introduce a single national framework focused on safety and accessibility. Eamon O’Hearn, GMB National Officer, said the union has campaigned for national standards for years, arguing that fragmented r

The Government’s proposal to consolidate taxi and private hire vehicle licensing responsibilities into 70 larger authorities is expected to bring significant changes for operators, drivers and enforcement teams. The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed the plan as part of a forthcoming consultation linked to wider reforms on national minimum standards and safeguarding. The reduction aims to address long standing inconsistencies between local licensing regimes, where check

Image credit: Greater Manchester Combined Authority Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham has criticised ministers for removing an amendment that could have laid the groundwork for restricting out of area taxi and private hire vehicle operations, a practice he has campaigned against for several years. The Government decision comes as it presses ahead with separate national minimum standards for the sector following recommendations in Baroness Casey’s audit. Out of area work