Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking with local taxi licensing authorities to ensure that drivers continue to meet standards after the initial granting of their licence.

Licensing authorities have a duty to ensure that any person to whom they grant a taxi or private hire vehicle driver’s licence to is a fit and proper person to hold such a licence. Licensing authorities remain responsible for ensuring that the drivers they license remain fit and proper throughout the period of the licence.

The draft statutory guidance to be issued to licensing authorities which Government is currently consulting on recommends measures to ensure authorities are aware of new information that may affect the suitability of individuals to hold a licence, such as clear complaint processes and biannual enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks including the barred lists.