‘Taxi and private license overhaul welcome' – say GMB

The GMB Union has welcomed a planned overhaul of the taxi and private hire vehicle licensing by the Government.

Under the scheme, announced this week, the Transport Secretary will have the authority to impose national minimum standards across England, while the number of licencing authorities could be reduced to just 70, from 263.

Eamon O'Hearn, GMB National Officer, said: "GMB has long called for national standards that provide rights and protections for drivers.

"But the voice of drivers and their representatives must be a major part of developing new standards. For too long sustainable transport networks have ignored the role and welfare of private hire drivers.

"This overhaul is the perfect opportunity to address that."