§ Sir George YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to issue the consultation paper on the proposed rules for London minicab operators in accordance with the implementation of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998. [85669]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonI have today with the Public Carriage Office issued the consultation paper. The Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 was an important step in bringing the safety of the travelling public in London in line with the rest of the country. The provisions of the Act were warmly welcomed by both the industry and consumer safety groups.
This consultation paper is the first step in implementing the Act and sets out proposals for the licensing of London minicab operators. It aims to strike a balance between the need to protect consumers and the interests of small business.
There will be an eight week period for responses and following assessment of responses we intend to undertake a short consultation before announcing the regulations for the licensing of London minicab operators.
Further consultation documents on the proposed rules for London minicab drivers and vehicles will be issued later this year and early next year respectively.