Reforming the law of taxi and private hire services

Book excerpt: This consultation paper presents the Law Commission's provisional proposals for reform of the legal framework relating to taxis and private hire vehicles. Taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) are an important part of local transport. They operate in highly regulated markets where safety and quality control are paramount. Licensing covers key areas such as the quality of services, the fitness of drivers, fare regulation and restrictions on the number of licenses issued. The current law on taxis and PHVs has been criticised for being complex and outdated. These proposals retain the important distinction between taxis - which can "ply for hire" on the street or a cab rank - and private hire vehicles which can only be pre-booked. But all vehicles would be subject to national minimum safety standards and, for private hire vehicles, these would replace more than 340 sets of local regulations. This will reduce the burden on business because, once appropriately licensed, a private hire firm could work freely across the country, without geographical restrictions. This would contribute to widening consumer choice and to making services cheaper and more competitive. The Commission also makes suggestions covering a wide range of issues, including improving provision for persons with disabilities, quantity restrictions and enforcement. [Law Commission website]