Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many taxi and private hire drivers have been reported for offences against passengers whilst working outside their own licensing authority area in each of the last five years.

The Department for Transport does not currently hold any data on the number of taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers who have been reported for offences against passengers.

I am glad that my honourable Friend has agreed to be a member of my Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licensing, which is considering cross-border working, enforcement and passenger safety as key areas for discussion. I have tasked the group with providing focused recommendations for action, which I look forward to receiving for consideration in the New Year.