Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to take urgent steps in primary legislation to create a statutory definition of cross border hiring whereby a journey must begin or end in the licensing authority area for which the vehicle, driver and operator are licensed; and if he will support this by the introduction of statutory England-wide guidance setting out minimum licensing standards; and if he will make a statement.

At a Westminster Hall Debate last year, the Rt Hon John Hayes MP announced the formation of a Task and Finish group to consider any regulatory issues and remedies. The group’s remit includes considering issues such as those on national standards and whether to provide a statutory definition of plying for hire. The proposal to restrict the locations that taxis and private hire vehicles can carry passenger from or to will also be considered as part of its deliberation.

The group has decided that more time was needed to fully consider the issues but will submit its report shortly.