National Taxi Database: Essential Safeguard for Licensing Authorities

The Department for Transport (DfT) has reaffirmed the mandatory status of the national taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) database in England.

This follows the full implementation of the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022, a legal milestone aimed at enhancing passenger safety and ensuring consistency in licensing practices across the country.

This update was confirmed by Simon Lightwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Transport, in response to a parliamentary query by Alberto Costa MP.

Costa, who chairs the Committee on Standards and the Committee of Privileges, had asked whether the previously voluntary database operated by the Local Government Association (LGA) should be made compulsory.

Key Provisions of the Act

Under the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022, which came into full force in April 2023, all licensing authorities in England are now legally required to use the national database.

This mandate includes recording and sharing decisions related to the refusal, suspension, or revocation of taxi and PHV driver licences when concerns regarding safeguarding, road safety, or discrimination are raised.

Previously, the database functioned on a voluntary basis, which left gaps in safety protocols.

The Department’s move to make it mandatory ensures that drivers who are deemed unsafe or unsuitable in one jurisdiction cannot circumvent regulations by seeking licences in another.

The uniformity provided by this change is expected to significantly enhance passenger protection and trust in the sector.

Lightwood emphasized this point, stating:

“On 27 April 2023, the remainder of the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022 was commenced, and the Department designated the use of a database, which previously operated on a voluntary basis supported by the Local Government Association, for the purposes of this Act.”

Strengthening Passenger Safety

The database is now a cornerstone of safeguarding measures in the taxi and PHV industry. By centralizing critical information on licensing decisions, it helps licensing authorities make informed decisions about granting or renewing driver licences. This ensures that passenger safety and equality are prioritized nationwide.

The database also plays a key role in addressing disparities in how licensing authorities handle cases of misconduct. Whether a decision is based on safeguarding concerns, road safety violations, or discrimination complaints, the national database provides a unified platform for sharing this information.

A Positive Step for the Industry

The introduction of mandatory REVOKED LICENCE CHECKS: DfT reminds MP that national taxi database is now mandatory for ALL local licensing authorities has been hailed as a critical advancement for the taxi and PHV sector. By mandating the use of this database, the government aims to address long-standing safety and equality challenges.

Simon Lightwood highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating that the mandatory database will record every decision to refuse, revoke, or suspend licences due to serious concerns. This is expected to create a safer, more reliable taxi industry for passengers across England.