MIKE HEDGES WELCOMES NEWS THAT PROPOSALS TO REFORM TAXI LICENSING LAUNCHED
A
Welsh Labour Government consultation into the reform of ‘complicated, outdated
and antiquated’ licensing laws for Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles has been
launched.
Mike
Hedges AM said… ‘ I welcome this consultation process as it is vital that the
taxi industry is appropriately regulated. I have been aware of issues of concern
within Swansea, particularly in regard to taxis licensed in other neighbouring
local authorities, working in Swansea. This consultation will enable people to
contribute to this review and to influence its outcome’
Welsh Labour's Economy
Secretary Ken Skates has urged interested parties to have their say on the
proposals, which will seek to address issues raised by drivers, unions,
licencing authorities and the Law Commission to better represent modern
practices.
The Law Commission’s
review of the law governing taxi and private hire vehicles made 84
recommendations, many of which are reflected in the Welsh Government’s
proposals for reform. The proposals include:
- The introduction of national standards for all taxis and private hire vehicles, set by the Welsh Ministers.
- Local licensing authorities able to set additional licence conditions where appropriate and remain responsible for issuing licences and enforcement.
- Private hire vehicles licencing to include novelty vehicles and stretch limousines, but wedding and funeral cars would continue to be exempt.
- Providers being able to work across local authority borders more easily with licensing officers provided with new enforcement powers to deal with vehicles and drivers licensed in different areas.
- Tougher penalties on touting are also proposed (actively soliciting customers), including impounding vehicles.
- Local licensing authorities retaining the right to limit the number of taxis working in their licensing area.
- Improved arrangements for regulating fares.
The consultation is open until 8th September and can be found here.
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