A Darlington MP's Bill seeking to overhaul the taxi licence process has come into force today.

Darlington MP Peter Gibson's Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles Bill has been brought into effect after being laid before parliament on Thursday (April 24).

Gibson said he introduced the measures to reform licensing rules for taxis and private hire vehicles, and overhaul the licensing process, including the safeguarding associated with licensing.

The new legislation was hevily influenced was a long running campaign by the family of Sian O’Callaghan, after she was tragically murdered by a taxi driver in Swindon in 2011.

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Elaine Pickford, Sian's mother, has campaigned relentlessly alongside the Suzy Lamplugh Trust since then to improve the quality of regulation in this area.

Sian’s family said:“To see this law being implemented and rolled out today across all local authorities is testament to Sian.

"It was in her nature to help others and this means so much to us personally. 

“Her name is now linked to a drastic improvement in passengers’ safety within taxis and Private Hire Vehicles, while also better protecting hard-working, law-abiding drivers themselves.”

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Gibson said the Bill will ensure passengers can use taxis and Private Hire Vehicles with greater confidence, and strengthen communities and restore pride in towns and high streets across the country.

Mr Gibson said:“I’m delighted that I had the opportunity to table this important and much needed Bill in Parliament.

“This new Act makes changes which will improve the sharing of data on taxi drivers between local authorities and closes a loophole which should never have existed.

“I was supported by many groups and organisations as well as many cross-party colleagues in the House, who have all been invaluable in their contributions.

“I am delighted that all the months of hard work has now reached its practical delivery. These important reforms will now allow us to better protect some of the most vulnerable in society.

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“I remain grateful to Sian O’Callaghan’s family for their help and support in helping to illustrate the need for this law and the difference it will make.

"I believe Sian’s Law is a lasting tribute to a beautiful young woman, and her legacy is making things just a little bit safer for women girls and all taxi users.”

The Act received Royal Assent and became law on 31 March 2022.