23/11/2008browse licences
 

TAXI REFORM CAMPAIGN

 
Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles play a vital and integral part in the transport network of this country
They account for around 600 million journeys in Great Britain each year, and are most commonly used by younger people, those on lower incomes without access to cars, and women between the ages of 16 and 20. 

 

According to the Department for Transport statistics, there are around 69,000 taxis licensed in England in 2007, an increase of 8 per cent since 2005 (including 8000 licensed vehicles in Wales alone).  Over 264,000 individuals hold drivers licences issued by over 350 local licensing authorities in England and Wales.

 

The licensing of hackney carriages in particular dates back to 1847, and that for private hire vehicles to 1976.  Seventeen principal Acts of Parliament, eight statutory instruments, and over 150 court decisions regulate these activities.

 

As the national organisation for licensing practitioners, the Institute of Licensing is initiating  a major campaign for reform of this legislation to apply outside London, to make it fit for purpose for the 21st century. 

 

There are many reasons for embarking on this exercise, principally:

  • eliminating inconsistencies between licensing authorities in the application of outdated legislation
  • removing outdated practices and controls  which stifle economic development and competition
  • enhancing public protection and safety by virtue of a simplified system of regulation
  • promoting the environmental impact of sustainable transport
  • recognising and embedding licensed vehicles as part of the national public transport infrastructure
  • reducing the administrative burden on licence holders and licensing authorities
  • providing a better structured and more understandable framework

Working with key industry stakeholders, we hope to have our final proposals for taxi licensing law reform for the 21st century by the end of 2008.  

In the meantime, we would greatly appreciate your help in identifying specific examples of where the current legislation is inadequate, or lacks applicability.  If you are able to contribute, please complete the form below.


If you would like more information about our campaign, please contact our Executive Officer, Sue Towler on 01276 75456 or you can email her. 

 Your name  
 Organisation name  
 Telephone number  
 Email address  
 Are you an Institute of Licensing Member?  

Please give one example* where the existing legislation is inadequate. 

Be as detailed as possible, for example, dates, locations, any legal action that arose
 
Which legislation applied to this scenario?     
How would you like to see the law reformed to prevent this scenario arising again?



* You may submit more than one example by completing the form for each new example.

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