The Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (Driver Conduct) Bill - Clause 1(g)

Concerned that clause 1(g) is broad and could be misinterpreted, inquiring about an appeals process if someone is removed from driving due to licensing authority interpretation.

Clarifies that local licensing authorities have panels that hear evidence and allow taxi drivers opportunities to present their case, ensuring existing protections are in place.

Emphasises the importance of timely information sharing and urges for immediate availability on databases when a licence is revoked or suspended.

Questions whether Scottish Government and other devolved national Governments will reciprocate data sharing to ensure information flow throughout the UK.

Clarifies that licensing authorities in England would input information, but authorities in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland could also access it for reference.

Inquires about safeguarding accessibility and equality for disabled people using taxis under this Bill.

References a scandal involving special educational needs travel contracts in Sandwell, asking if the Bill would prevent such issues to ensure children's safety.

Welcomes the step towards addressing cross-border travel standards in County Durham, questioning how the Bill will tackle such issues.

He supports the Bill as it aims to address issues faced by taxi drivers, particularly financial hardship and vehicle insurance problems. He highlighted a 29% fall in black cab numbers in London due to these challenges. Zeichner emphasised that the Bill tackles safety concerns and aligns with recommendations from previous task forces and debates. He noted varying licensing rules across regions and called for an overhaul of outdated legislation.

Rodda intervened to support the Bill, highlighting its importance for key workers in the taxi industry who have faced significant pressure. He urged consideration of disabled people's needs and called for a level playing field across different regions.

Clarkson agreed with Zeichner, noting that the Bill is crucial for establishing uniform standards in taxi driver licensing across different authorities. He used Rossendale Borough Council as an example of inconsistent licensing practices.

Williams agreed with Zeichner's concern about gaming the system due to non-universal coverage and stressed the importance of cross-border considerations in Wales and England for taxi driver licensing rules.

Supports the Bill's aim to improve accountability and safety standards in the taxi and private hire vehicle industry. Emphasises that licensing authorities should have access to a comprehensive pool of data, which is currently lacking. Argues that this will help prevent unsuitable individuals from continuing their trade after having licences revoked or refused elsewhere.

Welcomes the Bill and highlights its importance in addressing safety concerns and enhancing licensing regulations. Criticises the current lack of action by the Government to implement recommendations from a 2018 task and finish group report. Stresses that cross-border hiring undermines licensing efficacy across England, necessitating robust national standards.

Supports the Bill, citing local examples from Sandwell where a transport contract scandal occurred due to lack of oversight. Highlights the need for robust and fair procurement processes in larger transport contracts involving vulnerable individuals. Emphasises the importance of a level playing field for firms that comply with rules.

Congratulates Peter Gibson on introducing the Bill. Supports it as an important first step in updating outdated legislation, focusing on safety concerns highlighted by technological advancements and changes in the taxi market. Cites a worrying case of drug distribution through taxis which the Bill aims to address.

Supports the Bill, highlighting local efforts by Guildford Borough Council in enhancing taxi and private hire safety. Expresses concern over a patchwork system that allows unscrupulous operators to exploit loopholes. Advocates for uniform fitness checks across England.

Supports the Bill for ensuring passenger safety and addressing discrimination. Mentions the significant increase in taxi numbers since 1972 and highlights the importance of data sharing between local authorities to maintain public trust in taxis. Discusses instances of wheelchair users and those with assistance dogs being refused access or charged additional fees, advocating for measures that prevent such discriminatory practices.

Compliments Peter Gibson's proposal and underscores the importance of aligning with Welsh authorities for a Union-wide approach. Emphasises safeguarding children, especially those with special educational needs, who rely on taxi services to attend schools. Highlights that taxis provide essential public service during difficult times like the pandemic.

Acknowledges the vital role of taxi drivers in communities, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as students or those with medical conditions. Supports the legislation to enhance passenger safety and safeguarding measures.

Clarkson supports the Bill, emphasising its importance for building public confidence in private hire services. He highlights issues like differential licensing standards and the impact of past scandals on ethnic minority drivers' reputations. Clarkson also acknowledges taxi drivers’ essential role during the pandemic and their economic contributions.

Williams endorses the Bill, stressing its cross-party support and importance for Welsh constituencies. He calls for extending the database to Wales and mentions the need for robust standards for taxi drivers, including periodic criminal record checks. Williams also underlines the economic reliance on taxis in rural areas.

Fell supports the Bill's aim to universalise driver disqualification records and enhance public confidence. He references taxi drivers' community roles during crises, highlights his background in data sharing for fraud prevention, and suggests governance improvements for database accuracy.

Hart praises the Bill’s safeguarding and data-sharing provisions but calls for further police involvement in reporting driver misconduct. She mentions a case where a taxi driver was convicted of theft from an elderly customer without the licensing authority's prior knowledge. Hart also endorses Rother District Council's penalty points scheme as a model for others.

He congratulated Peter Gibson on introducing the Bill, acknowledging its importance in ensuring unsuitable people do not obtain licences to drive taxis and private hire vehicles. He highlighted that the licensing process gives confidence to passengers about driver safety and character.

Although his speech is not detailed in the provided text, he was mentioned as supportive of the Bill. He is noted for driving this debate previously to try to reach a resolution.

He contributed positively towards the debate on ensuring unsuitable people do not obtain licences, emphasising the importance of safeguarding passengers and highlighting examples from his constituency that demonstrate why such measures are necessary.

He added support for the Bill, stressing the importance of stringent licensing processes to protect passengers and prevent unsuitable individuals from operating taxis or private hire vehicles.

Contributed positively towards supporting the Bill, focusing on the importance of passenger safety through proper licensing processes and background checks for taxi drivers and PHV operators.

Expressed support for the Bill, highlighting its role in enhancing public confidence by ensuring that only suitable individuals obtain licences to operate taxis or private hire vehicles.

Acknowledged the importance of the Bill, especially in safeguarding vulnerable groups such as children and disabled individuals from unsuitable taxi drivers or private hire vehicle operators.

Supported the Bill by emphasising its necessity to protect passengers from unsuitable drivers, stressing the importance of stringent licensing procedures.

Contributed positively towards supporting the Bill, highlighting its role in enhancing passenger safety by ensuring proper background checks and preventing unsuitable individuals from operating taxis or private hire vehicles.

Expressed support for the Bill, noting its importance in safeguarding passengers through stringent licensing processes that prevent unsuitable individuals from obtaining licences to drive taxis or private hire vehicles.

Contributed positively towards supporting the Bill, emphasising its role in enhancing public confidence by ensuring that only suitable individuals obtain licences to operate taxis or private hire vehicles, thus protecting vulnerable passengers.

Supported the Bill, highlighting its importance in safeguarding passengers through stringent licensing processes that prevent unsuitable individuals from obtaining licences to drive taxis or private hire vehicles.

Contributed positively towards supporting the Bill, emphasising its role in enhancing passenger safety by ensuring proper background checks and preventing unsuitable individuals from operating taxis or private hire vehicles.

Called for 'proper legislation' similar to what the Bill proposes, highlighting its importance in safeguarding passengers and preventing unsuitable individuals from obtaining licences to drive taxis or private hire vehicles.