On 16 December 2024, the Government issued the English Devolution White Paper, announcing reforms which will have a significant impact on every council and community and setting out an Enhanced Devolution Framework.
This is what it says about our industry.
Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles:
• Taxis and private hire vehicles are an important part of our transport networks and some of the most vulnerable groups in our society rely on them.
• We recognise there are concerns about out-of-area working by private hire vehicles and are exploring how best to address these concerns.
• As part of this, we will consult on whether to make all Local Transport Authorities (including Strategic Authorities) responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing.
• Administering taxi and private hire vehicle licensing across this larger footprint would increase the consistency of standards and enable more effective use of enforcement powers across a whole functional economic area.
• Greater economies of scale should also enable authorities to improve the efficiency of licensing, reducing the incentives for people to license out of their usual working area.
• This would be a significant change for the sector, and we will work with stakeholders to understand possible impacts before taking a final decision.
• In London, taxi and private hire vehicle licensing is already the responsibility of the Mayor and Transport for London.
A 61-year-old Norwich cabbie has been banned from driving after seriously injuring a moped rider in a crash, effectively ending his 40-year career.
Muhammad Naeem of High Wycombe was convicted in his absence at Oxfordshire Magistrates' Court on 13 December, after failing to appear.
The operation, a joint effort between Durham County Council, police, and the DVSA, saw 57 licensed vehicles stopped across Durham City, Darlington, Consett, and Chester-le-Street.
This new technology, mirroring the successful implementation at the Dartford Crossing, will allow drivers to seamlessly pass through the Express Set Down (ESD) area without the need to stop and pay at a barrier.
David Samuel Steenson pleaded guilty to common assault in the Magistrate's Court, admitting to punching the driver, who sustained multiple cuts and bruises to his face.
Wrexham residents are being warned to be vigilant against unlicensed taxis operating during the festive season, as police and council officials launch a joint crackdown.
Nikolaos Boutelis, 61, faced charges of causing actual bodily harm stemming from an incident on March 25, 2022, in Reydon.
Calvin Elliott, 31, from Rainhill, verbally abused and assaulted Ahmed Shebaz after the driver asked him to leave his drinks outside the vehicle.
Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor, 26, known to his friends and family as Shami, was shot dead in his taxi on Tuesday 22 November 1994.
North Yorkshire Council is revising its hackney carriage policies to increase the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) and comply with equality legislation.
The drivers argue that the bus gate restriction on Corporation Street is causing them to lose customers and get stuck in unnecessary queues.
38 drivers were checked, alongside the condition of their vehicle, as well as their licence, insurance, tyres, lights and vehicle tax.
Despite expressing reluctance, Bedford Borough Council's General Licensing Committee has approved a significant increase in fees for taxi and private hire vehicle licences, effective March 2025.
The decision comes after an eight-week public consultation and aims to address concerns raised by residents regarding the safety and convenience of cash-only transactions.
Michael Miller and Grace Miller, of Grab A Cab, lost their hackney carriage proprietor and driver licences following a series of complaints alleging aggressive and abusive behaviour, threats and intimidation.
A leading eco-friendly electric taxi company based in central London is driving forward with its ambitious growth plans and opening a new local community hub, after securing a £1.6m asset refinance deal.
Only eight out of 101 taxi operators across the region responded to the council's consultation on potential fare increases, which ran from October 24 to December 2.
Kevin Turner was caught transporting undercover council officers on two separate occasions after they booked journeys with him.
Drivers claim that Uber cars registered in London are taking a significant portion of airport business, impacting their livelihoods.
In a bid to alleviate traffic congestion in Belfast city centre, particularly during the busy Christmas period, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced a temporary measure allowing taxis to use certain bus lane