REVOKED LICENCE CHECKS: DfT reminds MP that national taxi database is now mandatory for ALL local licensing authorities
The Department for Transport (DfT) reminded politicians that the national database for taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers is now a legal requirement in England, following the implementation of the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022.
This change was confirmed by Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport, in response to a parliamentary question raised by Alberto Costa MP. Costa, Chair of the Committee on Standards and the Committee of Privileges, queried whether the previously voluntary database operated by the Local Government Association (LGA) should become mandatory.
The Act, fully enacted in April 2023, requires all licensing authorities in England to record and share decisions to refuse, suspend, or revoke taxi or PHV driver licences when safeguarding, road safety, or discrimination issues are identified.
The database, previously maintained on a voluntary basis, is now central to ensuring consistent safety standards across the sector. By requiring all licensing authorities to use the system, the Department aims to prevent drivers deemed unsafe or unsuitable in one area from being licensed elsewhere.
This move has been seen as a positive and significant step in strengthening passenger protection and promoting uniformity in licensing decisions across the country. The national database is now an essential tool for addressing safety and equality concerns within the taxi and PHV industry.
Lightwood said: “On 27 April 2023, the remainder of the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road safety) Act 2022 was commenced, and the Department designated the use of a database, which previously operated on a voluntary basis supported by the Local Government Association, for the purposes of this Act.
“The Act mandates the use of a national database in England to record every decision to refuse, revoke or suspend a taxi or private hire vehicle driver licence due to safeguarding, road safety or discrimination concerns.”
