Nothing particularly new here, but it does underline the messy nature of how all this is being done
Spot the clunky phraseology in the bit about Unite, though
Wyre MP Cat Smith backs new moves to let councils suspend 'out-of-area' taxis
https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news ... is-8556113
Enforcement officers will be able to temporarily suspend licences issued by another English authority
Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith has welcomed moves to suspend taxi licences issued by other local authorities.
It comes with immediate effect under the new English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act.
In January, the Government consulted on proposals to reduce out of area working for taxis and boost passenger safety.
Enforcement officers will be able to temporarily suspend licences issued by another English authority where a driver or vehicle is operating outside their licensed area and there is a need to suspend a licence.
The 263 licensing bodies will be cut to 70 Local Transport Authorities, simplifying the system, improving enforcement, and tackling ‘out-of-area’ working by reducing opportunities to seek out less stringent licensing rules.
Ms Smith said: “The act has created new national standards for taxi drivers so passengers can feel safe in knowing their taxi meets strict national standards, no matter where they are in the country.
Introducing national minimum licensing standards will also mean all drivers face robust checks.
Welcomed by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, they form part of the government’s response to last year’s Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse audit commissioned by the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary, which highlighted ‘out-of-area’ taxi working and recommended more rigorous statutory standards for local authority licensing and regulation of drivers.
“Last week I was also delighted to meet with Unite representatives on cross-bordering hiring, supporting their campaign to go further.
“That includes a start or finish rule, requiring every private hire journey to begin or end in the driver’s licensed area -with sensible exceptions such as NHS and school transport - and Cross-border Enforcement Powers. They would allow local authorities to act against any driver or operator working within their boundaries.
“Community Right to Buy to save valued local buildings and new powers to tackle pavement parking and high street gambling harms are also part of the act - though I was disappointed that The Green Party, Reform, Conservatives and Lib Dems all voted against it.”
