Petition/Prayer to the Isle of Man Government. FAO Clare Barber MHK/Minister DEFA

Temporary Precautionary Pause on New Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) Driver Licence Applications Pending an Independent Review

I respectfully call upon the Isle of Man Government to introduce a temporary precautionary pause on all new Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) driver licence applications while an independent review of the current licensing and vetting system is undertaken.

This petition does not seek to prevent existing licensed drivers from continuing to work. It does not seek to affect current operators, licence transfers or the day-to-day operation of the taxi and private hire industry. It relates only to new PPV driver licence applications.

Having worked within the Isle of Man taxi trade for approximately 24 years, I have seen first-hand the professionalism, integrity and dedication of the overwhelming majority of drivers. They provide an essential public service and deserve a licensing system that commands the confidence of both the travelling public and the trade itself.

However, a number of serious incidents involving licensed drivers in recent years have understandably shaken public confidence. Although these incidents involve only a very small minority of drivers, their seriousness means it is both reasonable and responsible to ask whether the current licensing and vetting process provides the highest possible level of protection for the public.

The purpose of the independent review should not be to apportion blame, but to establish whether the current system is as robust, transparent and effective as it can be. The review should consider, among other matters:

Whether current criminal record and background checks provide the highest possible level of public protection.
Whether appropriate additional checks are carried out whenever standard checks cannot provide a complete history.
Whether the Road Transport Licensing Committee works effectively with other relevant Government departments, including, where applicable, those responsible for work permits and immigration requirements.
Whether the licensing process provides the level of transparency and reassurance that the public and the taxi trade are entitled to expect.
Whether any further safeguards could strengthen public confidence in the licensing system.
If the independent review concludes that the current system is robust and no improvements are required, the temporary pause should be lifted without delay. If improvements are identified, they should be implemented before any further new PPV driver licences are granted.

Given the proximity of the forthcoming General Election, I respectfully urge the current Isle of Man Government to commission this independent review without delay. Public safety and public confidence should not be postponed simply because of a change in administration. Beginning this work now will ensure that it can continue seamlessly under the next Government, regardless of the election outcome.

This petition is not intended to unfairly restrict opportunities for prospective drivers. It is intended to place public safety first, strengthen confidence in the licensing system, and protect the reputation of the overwhelming majority of honest, professional taxi and private hire drivers who serve our Island with integrity every day.

I therefore respectfully ask the Isle of Man Government to support this temporary precautionary measure in the interests of public safety, transparency, consumer confidence and the long-term reputation of the Isle of Man's taxi and private hire industry.