Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department has taken to ensure the safety of users of private hire vehicles.

The legislation that provides for licensing of private hire vehicle services aims to safeguard passengers by ensuring that drivers and vehicles are fit for purpose. This legislation allows local licensing authorities the discretion to set standards that they deem to be appropriate for their area. To help licensing authorities set standards the Department has issued best practice guidance.