Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that (a) taxi and (b) private hire journeys either (i) start or (ii) finish within licensed vehicle areas.

It is widely accepted that taxis and private hire vehicles have always been permitted to carry pre-booked fares outside the area in which they are licensed. This allows the sector to work more flexibly to meet the needs of their passengers.

Licensing authorities in England are required by law to share safeguarding or road safety concerns about taxi and private hire vehicle drivers licensed in other areas with the authority that issued the licence. The authority that issued the licence must then consider whether to suspend or revoke the driver’s licence.

The Department for Transport has issued guidance to licensing authorities which includes ways that authorities can, if needed, seek increased compliance and enforcement powers. Licensing authorities can jointly authorise each other's officers or can seek additional powers over all licensed vehicles and drivers through the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme. Licensing authorities can also undertake joint enforcement operations.

The Government recognises concerns around out-of-area working and is considering options to strengthen the regulation of the sector.