The analysis found for the first time since vehicle limits were reintroduced in the early 1990s, the amount of black cab and private hire taxis on our roads are similar. It said that for “various reasons a good number” of hackney carriage licences had not been renewed, which was described as “unprecedented.”

In a bid to improve user safety, with the survey finding many people walk past cab ranks to flag down a vehicle since the onset of covid-19 and roadworks throughout the city, the LVSA proposed discussions be held between the police, Liverpool Council’s licensing team, Merseytravel and trade to agree safe waiting places for passengers starting their journeys home from town. The city’s two main bus stations have been proposed as possible locations, with the need for appropriate marshals.

The report said: “The idea, as used in Hull, of a small number of areas where passengers and trade are encouraged to meet in a safe environment with marshals present on key nights should be considered by trade, licensing and other relevant bodies seriously. This could use four ranks and two public transport hubs.”

“This is despite several negative changes related to reduced levels of triple and double shifting due to insurance impacts, the large increase in competition from private hire generated by the Deregulation Act, the effect of long-term road works and the demand and supply impacts from the pandemic.