Lord Bradshore asked Her Majesty’s Government what proposals they have for bringing up to date the regulation of the taxi and private car hire market.
First, it is important to decide where the taxi business should be regulated.
There is a difference in some parts of legislation between national issues and the parts that are devolved, as are most parts in London, to the mayor.
With the creation of combined authorities, when the opportunity comes, it would be as well for the Government to consider devolving powers over taxis and private hire cars to those authorities.
The existing legislation is very old and a lot of it begins in the 19th century. These laws have not held very well in these days of information technology and apps, by which people can summon private hire cars.
I want to make it clear that I and, I think, those on my side of this House support the freedom of choice for the passenger and acknowledge the benefits that have been brought to many people who use Addison Lee, Uber and other such bodies.
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