The UK Government is currently consulting on plans to change how taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) are licensed across England.
At the moment, more than 250 local councils issue PHV and taxi licenses outside London. Under the proposal, these would be replaced by around 70 larger Local Transport Authorities (LTAs), each responsible for licensing drivers and vehicles across a wider area.
London would not be affected in the same way, as Transport for London (TfL) already operates a single licensing system across the capital.
The Government’s goal is to create more consistent standards across England, particularly for background checks, driver requirements, and enforcement. This could improve safety and reduce differences between licensing authorities.
What is the current status?
The changes have not been approved yet. The Government is currently gathering feedback through a consultation, and no final decision has been made.
When could the changes happen?
There is no confirmed start date. If approved, the changes would likely take several years to implement.
How could this affect Wolverhampton PHV drivers working in London?
Some drivers currently obtain licenses from councils such as Wolverhampton and then work in London. If the proposals go ahead, licensing standards across England could become more aligned, meaning drivers may have to meet requirements that are closer to TfL’s standards.
For now, nothing changes. Existing licenses and licensing arrangements remain in place while the consultation continues.