Recommendation 5

The government’s proposal to move responsibility for licensing to local transport authorities may have advantages in terms of improving operational capacity, and the ability of transport authorities to better integrate taxis into their transport plans and brand accordingly. However, we are not persuaded that a transfer of licensing responsibilities will, on its own, remove incentives to out-of-area working. Licensing areas will become larger, but drivers will still be able to operate across boundaries. (Conclusion, Paragraph 38)