http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/15305277.Taxi_reforms_on_the_cards_in_Wales/

THE system licensing taxis and private hire vehicles in Wales is to be reformed, it has been announced.

Control over the licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles will be devolved to the Welsh Government early next year.

And, yesterday, Wales’ economy and infrastructure secretary Ken Skates announced plans to revamp the system.

Speaking in the Senedd Mr Skates said the reform would form part of a wider revamp of public transport in Wales, including the South Wales Metro.

“When these planned improvements to rail and bus services are implemented, there will remain communities within our society for which public transport is simply not available or a viable alternative to use of a private motor vehicle,” he said.

“Taxi and private hire services are, therefore, an essential aspect of the transport network here in Wales.

“Taxis and private hire vehicles provide a vital public service, connecting people to places when alternative public transport services are not available or viable.

“The contribution that the sector makes to the night-time and tourism economy in many of our communities should not be underestimated.”

But he said the legal framework governing taxis has not been significantly reformed for more than 200 years, while the most recent legislation relating to private hire vehicles outside of London dates back to 1976 and this, along with more recent developments such as mobile phone-based booking apps such as Uber, had resulted in “a complex and fragmented licensing system”.

Mr Skates announced a consultation into the planned changes, due to begin shortly after next month’s General Election.

He said he hoped the new rules would protect licensed drivers from exploitation by rogue firms, as well as ensure customers had the best service possible. He added he also hoped he would be able to make it easier for drivers to work across local authority borders.

“Above all, we have a duty to ensure that the licensing arrangement in Wales safeguards the public and prevents the exploitation of the professional drivers that are delivering these very important services across our communities,” he said.


There are around 9,200 licensed taxi and private hire drivers in Wales.

Details of the reforms are yet to be confirmed.

New rules to protect licensed Drivers from exploitation

well that looks like a step in the right direction/ unfortunately if the Drivers are all as thick as cabby John it will have little effect. lets hope Drivers representatives are holding meetings with this authority to assist and ensure the reforms are productive .

It could be a backward step also,Mr. Skates said he also wanted to make it easier for drivers to work across local authority borders.
This is already the big problem in enforcement of what is already in place,as we do not want to do any enforcement we will change the rules to suit the exploiters.

Which is why organised drivers reps should be in there negotiating and ensuring the reforms are productive, its called being PROACTIVE as against the REACTIVE stance ie it aint fair No doubt the NTA who you support are on the job ??

Cabby John evidently is not, hardly surprising that!

I have difficulty understanding why such an issue like taxi law is devolved in the UK as a whole (including London).

The GMB are working closely with the trade, especially in Cardiff on this.
The 3 month consultation will start next month and there definitely will be drivers taking an active part.

The cross border issue is one that will be at the forefront.

Cardiff, as in other cities, has seen hundreds of out of town cars descend on it.
And with the Champions League being held here next weekend I can see it getting a lot worse this coming week.

Why ?

What you doing about it ?

A word of warning theres a post holder down ther a women with and MBE attached keep her away from all negotiations shes no good in my opinion, also make it clear to Mick Rix that he signs no agreements whatsoever without members voting on any proposal after mass meetings to consider any agreement, Mr Rix has history of signing agreements without consulting members tell him he aint ON

well Paulo for getting in there

Terry, taxis is a national issue, devolving it is mental

We've been working with a women down here.. not sure if she has an MBE attached to her name, seems very committed and clued up though.