Future Changes to PHV Licensing in England
The UK Government is currently consulting on plans to change how taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs) are licensed across England.
At the moment, more than 250 local councils issue PHV and taxi licenses outside London. Under the proposal (Last proposed on 8 January, 2026), these would be replaced by around 70 larger Local Transport Authorities (LTAs), each responsible for licensing drivers and vehicles across a wider area.
London would not be affected in the same way, as Transport for London (TfL) already operates a single licensing system across the capital.
The Government’s goal is to create more consistent standards across England, particularly for background checks, driver requirements, and enforcement. This could improve safety and reduce differences between licensing authorities.
What is the current status?
The changes have not been approved yet. The Government is currently gathering feedback through a consultation, and no final decision has been made.
To this date (12 June, 2026):
- The consultation has ended
- No formal response of the government is published
- There is no bill presented to the pariliament
- There isn’t any specific timetable announced for the implementation of the changes
Post Consultation closure:
- Formal response of the London Assembly Transport Committee is submitted on 18 March 2026.
- The committee also proposed to bring additional reforms which includes cross-border hiring potential.
When could the changes happen?
There is no confirmed start date but it is unlikely that theses changes would happen before 2028. If approved, the changes might be implemented across England between 2029 and 2031.
How could this affect Wolverhampton PHV drivers working in London?
Some drivers currently obtain licenses from councils such as Wolverhampton and then work in London. If the proposals go ahead, licensing standards across England could become more aligned, meaning drivers may have to meet requirements that are closer to TfL’s standards.
For now, nothing changes. Existing licenses and licensing arrangements remain in place while the consultation continues.
