The Department for Transport (DfT) is holding two taxi and PHV reform workshops, in June/July 2019.

As you are aware, in September 2018, the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing report recommended that Government change the law to stop taxis and PHVs carrying out journeys entirely outside their licensed area (often called “cross-border” or “out-of-area” work). In the Government’s response to the report, we committed to look at how this change might work in detail, with a view to legislating.

These workshops aim to give local authorities, taxi and PHV operators and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to share their views on how that proposed change to the taxi and PHV system could work. Issues that will be looked at include:

  * increasing the size of the geographic area in which journeys must start and/or finish (e.g. mutual recognition and adjoining areas),
    possible flexibilities (e.g. multiple licences),

*    exemptions for vehicle types or services; and enforcement of the out-of-area requirements.

The workshops will also provide an update on early thinking about the other commitments the Government made in the response to the Task and Finish Group’s report, including the introduction of national minimum standards and national enforcement powers.

Who should attend a workshop?

These workshops will be of interest to:
    Local authorities, in particular those responsible for taxi and PHV licensing

    Portfolio holders with responsibility for taxi and PHV licensing

    Taxi intermediaries and PHV operators – including small operators

    Organisations representing passengers and the taxi and PHV industry

    Other stakeholders and anyone interested in, or affected by, taxi and PHV reform

Why attend?

DfT is keen to hear a broad range of views on the way that reform of taxi and PHV “out-of-area” travel could work in practice.

This is an opportunity for the LPHCA to its views with the Department.

Workshop Details

Wednesday 26 June 2019

The Rubens at the Palace

39 Buckingham Palace Road

London

SW1W 0PS

Wednesday 3 July

           Details to be confirmed

Please advise via email by Friday 21 June 2019 if you are able to attend either of these workshops.

DfT look forward to seeing you, if you require any further information please contact Paul Elliott

Yours sincerely,

Catriona Henderson.

    
      
Catriona Henderson
Head of Buses and Taxis, Buses and Taxis Division

2/12-14, Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 4DR
     
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