CHRIS Vince, MP for Harlow and Abtisam Mohamed, MP for Sheffield Central have jointly penned a letter to Simon Lightwood, Minister for Transport, seeking a meeting to address the increasing issue of cross-border hiring within the taxi and private hire vehicle sector reports Taxi Point.

Cross-border hiring refers to the practice where drivers, licensed in one local authority, operate in a different area. This has become more prevalent with the rise of app-based platforms, leading to concerns around licensing standards, local trade impacts, and passenger safety

The MPs conveyed that many licensed drivers have raised worries about this practice, particularly regarding how it affects their trade, local control over licensing, and overall safety. The current legal framework allows cross-border operations, but calls for tighter regulations are mounting from those within the industry.

Minister Lightwood has previously acknowledged the issue, responding to a parliamentary question on improving cross-border hiring practices. Mohamed and Vince welcomed this stance, urging the Minister to pursue reforms that could lead to a national standard for licensing.

The MPs hope for a dialogue with the Department for Transport to ensure reforms that are fairer and enhance accountability across the board.

Click below to see the letter.

https://www.taxi-point.co.uk/post/mps-request-meeting-with-transport-minister-for-discuss-cross-border-taxi-hiring-concerns