DEREGULATION OF THE TAXI SERVICE

Early day motion 700, tabled 26 February 2004 by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour). Signed by 58 members.

That this House notes with concern the report issued by the Office of Fair Trading on deregulation of the taxi service; expresses doubt about the recommendations for deregulation, given that the OFT fails to examine the effect on prices and that there is a lack of clarity on whether in a deregulated market all vehicles would be suitable for disabled people to use and with no real evidence that in areas without restrictions on the number of vehicle licences waiting times are lower; further notes that according to the Transport Select Committee Report into the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Market, the market has been the fastest growing form of transport over the last 25 years and has grown by more than 40 per cent. in real terms since 1994; and calls on the Government to reject the recommendations on deregulation proposed by the Office of Fair Trading.

Signatures by party: Labour 43, Liberal Democrat 10, Labour/Co-operative 3, Conservative 1, UUP 1.