MP’s to debate out-of-area taxi and private hire rules this month in Commons’ Main Chamber
The Commons’ Main Chamber will host an adjournment debate led by Christopher Vince MP on the potential impact of the Deregulation Act 2015 on taxi licensing.
The session on 21 October 2024 will offer an opportunity for MPs to voice concerns and discuss policy, but no formal vote will take place. Adjournment debates allow MPs to raise important issues and seek a government response without the need for immediate legislative action.
The Deregulation Act 2015 was introduced with the intention of reducing red tape and streamlining regulations across various sectors, including taxi licensing. However, its implications for the taxi industry have sparked ongoing debate. One of the key provisions allows private hire drivers to operate outside their licensed areas, meaning drivers can be booked and dispatched across local authority borders. This change has led to concerns over safety, enforcement, and local control of taxi licensing.
Critics argue that this system undermines local councils’ ability to regulate who operates within their boundaries. Concerns have also been raised about passenger safety, with suggestions that the Act makes it more difficult to carry out thorough checks on drivers working across multiple areas. Meanwhile, supporters of the Act argue it provides greater flexibility for drivers and improves service availability for customers.
Christopher Vince MP has previously expressed concerns about the legislation. Speaking to TaxiPoint earlier this year, Vince called for a review of the Act, questioning whether the current system effectively protects the public and ensures fair competition between licensed operators. He has highlighted the need for stricter regulation to address the risks posed by cross-border hiring and emphasised that local councils should retain greater control over licensing decisions.
This upcoming debate will provide Vince with a platform to further discuss these concerns and urge the government to reconsider the Deregulation Act’s impact on the taxi industry.
