The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that new standards on taxi licensing have been proposed to protect passengers.
Reportedly, government ministers will change the law to strengthen safety and protections for passengers in taxi and private hire vehicles (PHVs).
The proposed new standards come after Baroness Casey’s audit into Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, which was published in June of this year.
Under new rules, debated in Parliament on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, the UK transport secretary would have the power to introduce national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing.
This would see all drivers, vehicles and operators subject to robust checks and requirements on safety and accessibility.
An amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment (EDCE) Bill, which was tabled 18 November 2025, would allow these new powers to be introduced.
The government continues to consider wider options for reform, including on out of area working. As part of this, the DfT will be launching a consultation on making all local transport authorities responsible for taxi and PHV licensing.
This will aim to reduce the number of licensing authorities from 263 to 70 – to help further increase consistency in standards.
UK secretary of state for transport Heidi Alexander said: “While the vast majority of taxi and private hire vehicle drivers are responsible, passenger safety is our top priority.
“We are, therefore, working quickly and decisively to address the concerns around taxi and PHV licensing highlighted in Baroness Casey’s report.
“This amendment is a first step and shows the government is committed to delivering robust national minimum standards so passengers can travel with confidence.”
