For countless people, taxis aren’t just a transport option, they’re a necessity. In fact, millions of taxi bookings are carried out daily across the UK. Most of us jump in a taxi assuming it is safe and good to go, but is that really the reality?
Hidden Dangers?
Most transport sectors have a recognised national standard and framework regarding compliance for the industry they operate in.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said for taxis and the private hire industry. Surprising as it may be there is no recognised national standard. Instead, despite government guidelines, each local council is responsible for setting its own rules for:
- Vehicle Safety Checks
- Licensing drivers
- Licensing fees
- Driver background checks
But is this an issue?
Baroness Casey of Blackstock DBE CB seemed to think so in her June 2025 report called “National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.” She warned that inconsistent taxi licensing rules between different councils are creating dangerous loopholes.
In Chapter 7, she highlighted that while some councils go beyond statutory guidance to protect passengers, others apply far weaker standards, and because drivers can apply for a licence anywhere in the country, those weaker rules can undermine stricter local rules. This “cross-border” licensing means a council can set high standards but has no power to enforce them on vehicles licensed elsewhere, even when they operate daily in its own area.
What currently happens?
As far as safety checks are concerned, currently some local authorities have mandated daily checks, but some have no process or procedure for them at all.
Vehicles are only spot checked once a year (if at all). Licensing authorities have no visibility of safety checks or vehicle condition. Some authorities are also not conducting any background checks on the drivers they license, leading to potential criminals driving your kids to school, and you to work…
All local councils are responsible for setting their own rules, and it is worth mentioning that some authorities are rightly taking a keen interest in setting good standards for their private hire and taxi vehicles.
This needs to change.
What Needs to Change?
CheckedSafe is pushing for a NEW unified national compliance standard for taxis & private hire vehicles that:
- Mandates a a minimum a daily pre-use check of vehicles
- Enforces proper background checks for all licensed drivers
- Implements rules to enforce drivers to license with the local authorities in which they operate
- New rules regarding the amount of hours taxi drivers can work in a day
- Mandate standardised national safety standards for the condition of all private hire & hackney carriage vehicles
- Regularly audits taxis
These relatively simple changes would have a transformative impact on the taxi and private hire industry.
A unified national compliance standard would close dangerous loopholes, improve public safety, and restore confidence in a failing system. Daily vehicle checks and regular audits would ensure roadworthiness, while proper background screening and driver hour limits would reduce risks to passengers and drivers alike. Crucially, requiring drivers to be licensed locally would strengthen accountability and bring revenue and enforcement back to the communities where services are actually being provided.
Too often, meaningful change only follows tragedy, but this time we have the chance to act before lives are put at risk. The government has pledged to implement all 12 of Baroness Casey’s recommendations, and the sooner they do, the safer our communities will be.
Want to Know More?
If you have any questions about any of the above, or want to talk to us about how CheckedSafe can help bring consistency, accountability, and safety to your taxi fleet, contact us today on info@checkedsafe.com or give us a call on 01282 908429.
