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  10. Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards

Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards

The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued "Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards" guidance under the provisions of The Policing and Crime Act 2017 to all Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Authorities. As an authority that issues both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire licences South Holland District Council "must have regard" to the document when exercising our functions and formulating policy.

The focus within the Standards is on protecting children and vulnerable adults. The Standards were published in July 2020.

The DfT states the following in the introduction of the document:

  • There is evidence to support the view that taxis and private hire vehicles are a high-risk environment. In terms of risks to passengers, this can be seen in abuse and exploitation of children and vulnerable adults facilitated and in some cases perpetrated by the trade and the number of sexual crimes reported which involve taxi and private hire vehicle drivers.
     
  • Whilst the focus of the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards is on protecting children and vulnerable adults, all passengers will benefit from the recommendations contained in it. There is consensus that common core minimum standards are required to regulate better the taxi and private hire vehicle sector, and the recommendations in this document are the result of detailed discussion with the trade, regulators and safety campaign groups.
     
  • The Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards reflect the significant changes in the industry and lessons learned from experiences in local areas since the 2010 version of the Department's Best Practice Guidance. 

As a result of the standards being published a report was taken to Licensing Committee on the 10th December 2020 where the Committee considered the new Standards and approved the document for consultation with the licensed trade, stake holders and the public.

If South Holland District Council does not adopt these provisions then the Council must show clear consideration of all relevant matters and the reasoning why the Council did not adopt the National Guidance, as laid out by the DfT after their consultation with the industry as a whole.

It is important that you take this opportunity to have your say on the changes that are being proposed as they can potentially affect everyone that operates or uses South Holland District Council's licensed vehicles.

All comments and suggestions will be included in a report that will go before the Licensing Committee for consideration at the next Licensing Committee.

It is important that you take this opportunity to have your say on the changes that are being proposed as they can potentially affect everyone that operates or uses South Holland District Council's licensed vehicles.

All comments and suggestions will be included in a report that will go before the Licensing Committee for consideration at the next Licensing Committee.

The consultation begins on 1 March 2021 and will close on Friday 9 April 2021 at 5pm.

There are two ways to share your views:

  1. Via email to: licensing@sholland.gov.uk  Please make the subject of your email "DfT Standards Consultation"
  2. In writing to: Licensing Team, South Holland District Council, Council Offices, Priory Road, Spalding, Lincs, PE1 2XE

The Statutory Taxi & Private Hire Vehicle Standards can be found on the Departments for Transport website 

The current Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy can be found on the Taxi Licensing page.