MPs request meeting with Transport Minister to discuss CROSS-BORDER taxi hiring concerns
Updated: Oct 20, 2024
Abtisam Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central, and Chris Vince, MP for Harlow, have jointly penned a letter to Simon Lightwood, Minister for Transport, seeking a meeting to address the increasing issue of cross-border hiring within the taxi and private hire vehicle sector.
Cross-border hiring refers to the practice where drivers, licensed in one local authority, operate in a different area. This has become more prevalent with the rise of app-based platforms, leading to concerns around licensing standards, local trade impacts, and passenger safety.
The MPs conveyed that many licensed drivers have raised worries about this practice, particularly regarding how it affects their trade, local control over licensing, and overall safety. The current legal framework allows cross-border operations, but calls for tighter regulations are mounting from those within the industry.
Minister Lightwood has previously acknowledged the issue, responding to a parliamentary question on improving cross-border hiring practices. Mohamed and Vince welcomed this stance, urging the Minister to pursue reforms that could lead to a national standard for licensing.
The MPs hope for a dialogue with the Department for Transport to ensure reforms that are fairer and enhance accountability across the board.
The letter addressed to Minister Simon Lightwood reads: “We are writing to request a meeting to discuss the practice of cross-border hiring in the taxi and private hire vehicle industry.
“Many licensed taxi drivers have written to us about the increase in cross-border hiring due to the rise in app-based booking platforms and new technologies. We are concerned about the impact cross border hiring is having on taxi trade in our constituencies, local licensing standards, and passenger safety.
“We welcome your commitment to reforming cross-border hiring practices and your response to UIN 3285 that you're looking to improve the current legislative and regulatory framework.
“We would like to meet with you to discuss plans for reform including the possibility of introducing new national taxi and private hire licensing standards to ensure a fairer, and more accountable approach.”
