Review of the regulation of taxis and PHVs Jessica Uguccioni LGA Forum 20 December 2011

The Law Commission  Independent body created by statute  Responsible for systematic development and reform of law in England and Wales  Law Commission Act 2009 procedure and high proportion of reports being implemented  Currently on our 11th programme of law reform

Adult Social Care Project A project to review and reform the UK law relating to taxis and private hire vehicles in England and Wales Suggested by the Department for Transport The taxi and PHV project

Outline of project Stage 1: Pre consultation Stage 2: Public Consultation April 2012Publication of consultation paper May - July month public consultation Stage 3: Draft Bill and report Publication November 2013 Legislation before the end of the current Parliament?

2. The process for assessment Aims for Taxis/PHVs  “Deregulation” in terms of reference  Public safety  Consumer choice and consumer protection  Accessibility: disabilities and rural areas  Maintaining a sustainable industry  Clarity: avoid litigation and chilling effects

Methodology of our review  Understanding the trades in practice  Review of existing legislation  Re-structuring: fragmented legislation and development of coherent policy

2. The process for assessment Preliminary preference: reformed two tier system  Common issues: safety  National mandatory standards for PHVs; local minimum standards for taxis  National driver training with some local variation (eg topographical knowledge)  Administration and Enforcement would remain with licensing authorities

2. The process for assessment One/Two tier system  Key advantages to reformed 2 tier  Fare regulation  Disability policies  Local standards for taxi fleets  Key disadvantages to reformed 2 tier  Lack of provision for late nights  Technology eroding pre-booked and instant hire?

2. The process for assessment Alternative one tier system  All taxis with local standard-setting  Some ranks for disabled access vehicles  Key advantages  Corresponds with public perception  Increased provision (nights)  New booking technologies  Key disadvantages  Fare regulation  Disabilities

 Cross-border & operating areas  Enforcement powers  Operator licensing  Conditions Enforcement & licensing

Standards  Striking the balance between national and local  Unsuitable drivers: CRB checks and qualifications  Livery and imposing conditions. The appropriate use of policies? Problems with setting standards

 Difficulties: no universally accessible vehicle  Different approaches to taxis and PHVs? Disabilities

 Disadvantages  Blunt tool excluding willing participants  Difficulties with unmet demand surveys  Advantages  Externalities: congestion & over-ranking  Sustainability of industry Quantity restrictions

 Fees  The London difference?  Coverage  Limousines & chauffeur services  Motorbikes  Pedicabs  Interface with PSVs  Intermediaries Scope & other issues

Q & A

For further information contact: AddressJessica Uguccioni Steel House 11 Tothill Street London SW1H 9LJ Telephone Websitewww.justice.gov.uk/lawcommission/index.htm