Taxi and private hire drivers across Portsmouth are being invited to share their experiences and help shape the future of taxi and private hire licensing in England.
Taxi and private hire drivers provide an essential service to local communities every day taking people to work and hospital appointments, supporting local businesses, transporting children with SEND and helping people get home safely, particularly at night.
However, with 263 licensing authorities across England, each operating with different rules, costs and standards, many drivers believe the current system no longer reflects the way the industry operates today.
The Government is now considering changes to the taxi and private hire licensing system and Portsmouth MP’s Stephen Morgan and Amanda Martin are asking drivers to share their experiences and views on what needs to change.
The consultation will explore issues including differences between licensing authorities, out-of-area working, app-based bookings, enforcement, vehicle requirements and the possibility of a national database of licensed drivers and vehicles.
Commenting, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, said:
“Drivers deserve a licensing system that is fair, consistent and proportionate, while passengers deserve to know that safety standards are being properly enforced.
“This is an opportunity for drivers to have their voices heard and help shape the reforms that could affect the industry for years to come.
“I am particularly interested in hearing about the impact of different licensing requirements, out-of-area working and the challenges councils face in enforcing the rules.”
Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin added:
“Taxi and private hire drivers are an essential part of our local communities, but too often the people doing the job feel that the licensing system is working against them rather than supporting them.
“We want to hear directly from drivers about what is and isn’t working, and what a fairer system would look like.
“As a member of the Department for Transport team I’ll be making sure the ideas and concerns we hear are fed directly into ministers.”
Drivers are being encouraged to complete a short online survey to share their views here.
Responses will help inform the MP’s work in Parliament and their discussions around potential changes.
