MP’s challenge over taxi licensing issues

AN MP who serves parts of Woodley and Earley has challenged the Government to look again at the way in which they approach taxis and private hire vehicles.

Reading East’s Matt Rodda, who is also a Shadow Transport Minister, spoke on behalf of the Opposition in a debate on Taxi and Private Hire Licensing on Tuesday last week.

He said that the Government had a “hands-off” approach towards the issue, saying that they had failed to legislate during their eight years in power, despite calls from Labour, trade unions and campaigners. This, he argued, left passengers unprotected.

“The piecemeal evolution of the regulation of taxi and private hire services has resulted in a complex and fragmented licensing system, with services differing greatly across the country,” Mr Rodda told Parliament. “The lack of national standards, has resulted in a very variable picture regarding quality, safety and accessibility.”

He continued: “The Government has stalled over tackling the issue of crossborder working by private hire vehicles.

“There have long been concerns about private hire vehicles operating outside their licensed geographical areas, which puts taxis at a competitive disadvantage as they have to return to their licensed area after taking a fare outside their borough.

“Cross-border working also has worrying implications for safety, with drivers who obtain a license in an area with lower safety criteria able to operate in areas with more stringent safety criteria unchecked.

“I hope they will now commit to introducing national standards.”