LGA hits out at proposed deregulatory measure on minicab licensing

The Local Government Association has launched a stinging attack on the Government’s introduction of a new clause in the Deregulation Bill, claiming it “would permit anyone to drive a licensed vehicle”.

Warning of a risk to public safety, the LGA said the measure – currently going through the House of Commons – would “make it impossible for councils to ensure the person actually driving the cab has been through the proper vetting process for licensed drivers which include checks on criminal records and medical checks”.

The Association also suggested that dangerous minicab drivers could more easily challenge reviews of their licences following traffic offences. “This is because they could more easily claim another driver was responsible.”
 
Cllr Tony Page, LGA licensing spokesman, said: “Taxi and private hire vehicles are an essential means of transport for many, especially older or disabled people. Anyone using one should be able to do so safe in the knowledge that its driver has had their background fully checked and meets certain safety standards.
 
“Councils fought hard for the reinstatement of enhanced criminal records checks for taxi and private hire drivers and these irresponsible plans threaten to undermine that progress and remove this vital protection for passengers.”

Calling on the Government to withdraw the measures, Cllr Page added: “The consequences for someone entering a vehicle marked for hire where the driver has not been properly licensed and vetted by the council can be severe – we should not increase the chances of that happening. Under the proposals, councils will also find it more difficult to revoke licences from reckless drivers who repeatedly put passengers at risk by driving dangerously.”