The 2015 Deregulation Act which included the controversial cross-bordering hire clause is having a detrimental effect on the taxi trade in our City.

 

Southampton City Council Licensing Department needs to cooperate with surrounding councils including London, whereby licensing officers can have reciprocal powers of enforcement on any and all cars and vehicles that come into our district from elsewhere.

 

We have a bizarre situation when cars from places as far afield as London, for example, are permitted to work legitimately in Southampton, not having any of our licensing conditions including the requirement for CCTV camera's, something that we have to have at a cost of £700 plus for each car.

 

This so-called wonderful clause of the Deregulation Act is causing more hassle, upset and confusion and red tape than The Department For Transport could have ever imagined.