Daniel Zeichner – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Transport

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Daniel Zeichner on 2015-11-17.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidance he provides to local authorities on the enforcement of the prohibition on private hire vehicles plying for hire; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Jones

The Department for Transport’s Best Practice Guidance for taxi and private hire licensing advises local authorities that the safety of the public depends on authorities having effective enforcement mechanisms in place.

The Guidance adds that it is desirable to ensure that taxi and PHV enforcement is at least partially directed to the late night period when problems such as touting and illegal plying for hire are most prevalent.

It is for local licensing authorities to determine how they allocate resources for enforcement, which will vary according to local circumstances. Licensing authorities are also advised to liaise closely with the police when undertaking enforcement activity.