Blackpool South MP Chris Webb Urges Government to Overhaul Taxi Regulations Amid Rising Concerns from Local Drivers Over Safety and Compliance Issues

Concerns Over Deregulation and Local Impact

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb is advocating for a comprehensive review of taxi regulations following discussions with Simon Lightwood, the Minister for Transport.

The meeting aimed to address concerns raised by local taxi drivers about the implications of deregulation in the industry, particularly since the 2015 changes that allow private hire drivers to operate across England and Wales with a local authority license.

Webb emphasized that the current rules have weakened local councils' ability to regulate and inspect taxis, leading to potential safety risks. He expressed specific concerns about standards among some private hire operators in Blackpool and called for reforms that would require private hire vehicles to be licensed in the area where a journey begins or ends, rather than allowing cross-border hiring.

Local Drivers Rally for Change

The Minister reportedly acknowledged the challenges faced by Blackpool cabbies, particularly given the town's seasonal economy, and is open to revising taxi laws to enhance safety and compliance. The call for regulatory changes comes amid local tension over the presence of companies like Uber, which has received a license to operate in Blackpool but has faced criticism from local drivers and associations regarding compliance issues.

Neil Charnock, a taxi driver from Blackpool, has also been active in raising awareness of these issues, having started a petition in July to push for a review of the deregulation, citing its negative impact on local drivers' livelihoods. The Blackpool Taxi Association has echoed these concerns, particularly in light of complaints regarding out-of-town Uber drivers allegedly violating local rules.