Committees

Licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles

Inquiry

Taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) form a key part of the transport network, particularly for people who face barriers to using other forms of transport and as a driver of the nighttime economy. However, the current system for regulating these vehicles can vary across different licensing authorities, creating inconsistencies and raising questions about how effective present standards are.

This inquiry will examine whether the current licensing framework provides authorities with the tools they need to successfully regulate the sector. The Committee will consider the implications of uneven rules between areas, the growing role of digital ride-hailing platforms, and the challenges that can arise from cross-border working.

It will also explore what reforms may be needed to improve standards for passengers and drivers.

Read the call for evidence.

This inquiry is no longer accepting evidence

The deadline for submissions was 11:59pm on 8 September 2025.

Upcoming events

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Past events

Wednesday 14 January 2026
9:15am Public
Licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles - Oral evidence 14 January 2026
9:15am
  • Lilian Greenwood MP (Minister for Roads at Department for Transport)
  • Liz Wilson (Deputy Director, Accessibility, Coaches, Taxis and Community Transport Division at Department for Transport)
The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
Wednesday 3 December 2025
9:15am Private
Private meeting 3 December 2025
The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
Wednesday 19 November 2025
9:15am Public
Licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles - Oral evidence 19 November 2025
9:15am
  • Emma O'Dwyer (Director of Public Policy at Uber)
  • Andrew Wescott (Corporate and Government Affairs Director at Veezu Ltd)
  • Kimberly Hurd (Senior General Manager for the UK and Ireland at Bolt)
  • Mark Robinson (Owner and Director at Vokes Taxis Limited)
10:15am
  • Emma Vogelmann (Co-CEO and Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns at Transport for All)
  • Saskia Garner (Head of Policy and Campaigns at Suzy Lamplugh Trust)
  • Councillor Arooj Shah (Chair of the Neighbourhoods Policy Committee at Local Government Association)
  • James Button (Director at Institute of Licensing)
The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
Wednesday 15 October 2025
9:15am Public
Licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles - Oral evidence 15 October 2025
9:15am
  • Mr David Lawrie (Director at National Private Hire and Taxi Association (NPHTA))
  • Eamon O'Hearn (National Officer at GMB Union)
  • Andy Mahoney MBE (LPHCA Official at Licensed Private Hire Car Association (The LPHCA))
  • Mr Paul James (Project Manager at Unite Taxi Education Liverpool)
10:15am
  • Helen Chapman (Director of Licensing and Regulation at Transport for London (TfL))
  • David Pattison (Chief Operating Officer at City of Wolverhampton Council)
  • Mr Lee Petrak (Public Protection Commercial Enforcement Manager at Blackpool Council)
Room 16, Palace of Westminster

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