The Future of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing - Tom Hayes Labour MP Bournemouth East

The Future of Taxi and Private Hire Licensing

As taxi and private hire drivers, you provide a vital service for our communities. Every day, you help people get to work, hospital appointments, and businesses, support children with SEND, and keep people safe—especially at night.

There are 263 licensing authorities in England, each with different rules, costs, and standards. Many drivers tell me the system no longer reflects how the industry works today.

The Government is considering changes to the taxi and private hire licensing system in England. Following my meeting with drivers at St Saviour’s Church on Friday 24 July, I want to know more about your experiences and the changes you want to see.

Your views will help shape my work in Parliament, so that licensing can be fairer, safer, and work better for you and passengers.

Section 1: The current licensing system

Do you think the taxi and private hire licensing system is fair to you as a driver? *There are 263 licensing authorities, each with their own rules for drivers, vehicles, and operators. Some drivers are concerned this creates an uneven playing field, with BCP-licensed drivers competing with drivers licensed by councils with lower requirements.

Why?

Have differences in rules between councils affected you? *For example: Vehicle age limits, emissions requirements, inspection rules, the cost of replacing vehicles

Section 2: Out-of-area working and app-based bookings

Do you think drivers should generally be licensed by the council area where they do most of their work? *

Why

Do you think you are competing on a level playing field with drivers licensed by other councils?

Please explain

What should happen with out-of-area working?

Section 3: Enforcement

What would improve BCP Council’s ability to enforce licensing rules?Drivers tell me that councils can struggle to enforce rules against vehicles licensed elsewhere, even when those vehicles operate regularly in their area.

Do you think councils should have stronger powers to act against vehicles licensed by another authority when they operate in their area? *

Why?

Would a national database of licensed drivers and vehicles improve safety? *

Why?

Section 4: Future reform

Which approach would you prefer? *

What is the single biggest change you would like to see in taxi and private hire licensing?

Section 5: About you

First Name *

Last Name *

Email Address *

Street Address *

Town *

Postal Code *

Would you like to sign up for updates from Tom Hayes MP in the form of his monthly newsletter? You can opt out at any time. *Yes, add me to the listNo, don’t add me to the list

How long have you been a licensed driver? *

May I quote your words and use your first name only in parliamentary debates about this issue? *

By submitting, your information may be shared with the Labour Party.