Labour Government Announces Sweeping Reforms to 'Archaic' Taxi Legislation
In a significant move to modernise Britain's transport sector, the Labour government has revealed plans to overhaul what it describes as 'outdated' driving laws that date back to the Victorian era. Local Transport Minister Lillian Greenwood delivered a stark assessment to MPs this week, declaring that the current legal framework regulating taxis and private hire vehicles is 'archaic and fragmented', with key legislation originating as far back as 1847.
Century-Old Legislation in Need of Modernisation
Addressing the Transport Committee, Greenwood emphasised that while Britain maintains a functional taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) sector, this operates 'despite the legislation rather than really because of it'. The minister highlighted how current laws underpinning taxi licensing date from 1847, with private hire vehicle regulations stemming from 1976 legislation, creating a patchwork system that varies significantly across different local authorities.
'We have a decent functioning taxi and PHV sector, but it's despite the legislation rather than really because of it,' Greenwood told parliamentarians during the committee session. The government has launched a new inquiry focused specifically on how standards for taxis and PHVs could be substantially improved, responding to growing concerns about inadequate and inconsistent regulation across the country.
Enhanced Safety Measures and National Standards
Central to the proposed reforms are strengthened safeguarding measures that would require every local authority to mandate enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all taxi and PHV drivers. 'When it comes to safeguarding, we want every local authority to require PHV and taxi drivers to have an enhanced DBS check and to be checked against the adults and children's barring lists,' Greenwood explained to the committee.
The Department for Transport had already announced in November 2025 its intention to legislate for National Minimum Standards that would establish a consistent baseline for taxis and private hire vehicles nationwide. This move represents a significant shift from the current fragmented approach, where licensing standards and requirements can differ dramatically between neighbouring authorities.
Addressing Modern Transport Challenges
The government inquiry will specifically explore whether there is parliamentary appetite for updating or completely replacing the existing legislative framework to make it 'more fit for modern times'. Among the critical questions being examined are:
- Whether app-based platforms and traditional taxi operators receive equal treatment under current licensing conditions
- Plans to address working conditions for drivers across the sector
- Measures to improve accessibility standards within the national fleet
Department for Transport statistics reveal significant shifts in the industry, with a notable 10.5% increase in PHV licences issued (reaching 256,600 in 2024), while traditional taxi licences decreased by 1.4% to 56,400 over the same period. These changing dynamics underscore the urgency of legislative reform to address modern transport realities.
Structural Changes to Licensing Authority
The government has also consulted on potentially transferring responsibility for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing from individual licensing authorities to Local Transport Authorities. During the committee session, Greenwood faced questioning about the specific objectives behind this proposed structural change and how it would improve regulatory consistency and effectiveness across England.
This comprehensive review represents one of the most significant potential reforms to taxi legislation in generations, aiming to replace Victorian-era laws with a modern framework capable of addressing contemporary challenges in passenger safety, driver welfare, and technological innovation within the transport sector.
