My name is Oz, and like many others, I've dedicated my life to the private hire and taxi industry, following the rules and working diligently within my licensed area. However, recently more drivers have found a loophole, securing licenses from authorities with less strict rules and regulations, subsequently operating in areas they're not locally licensed for. This practice known as cross border hiring is jeopardizing fair competition, livelihoods of rule-abiding taxi drivers, and the integrity of the taxi industry as a whole. 

Prior to this loophole, the law constrained drivers to work only within their licensed area, thereby ensuring a level playing field for all local taxi drivers. These old laws maintained standards, ensuring drivers had expert local knowledge, and preventing the market inundation we're witnessing due to the influx of drivers from other regions.

Companies like Uber and Bolt are enabling this practice, creating an uneven and unjust competition. Traditional taxi drivers, like myself, who abide by the rules and only operate within their licensed area lose out.

Cross border hiring isn't just unfair but also unsafe. Some statistics show that drivers licensed in areas with lenient rules might lack adequate training and proficiency required for the job. This results in jeopardizing customer safety and overall trust in the taxi industry.

With this petition, we are asking for the reinstatement of old laws that restrict private hire and taxi drivers to work only within their licensed area. Return to fair play in the taxi industry: ban cross border hiring, ensure safety and conserve the integrity of our profession. It's time to regulate, it's time to demand change. Please sign this petition. Your signature is not just support for local taxi drivers but a stand for fair competition and safety.