(02 February 2022) – The Commission adopted today a guidance notice for national and local authorities on regulating taxis and private hire vehicles. It is also expanding the availability of real-time traffic data by amending existing rules in this area.
The guidance notice advises against regulation leading to empty runs, such as an obligation for private hire vehicles to return to garage in between rides or geographical restrictions that prevent drivers from taking passengers on return trips from remote locations.
It encourages ‘pooling’ of passengers, more sustainable vehicle fleets, and integration with public transport and active mobility.
As for real-time traffic data availability, today’s revision will extend the obligation to cover regional and urban roads and is adding new data types, such as vehicle access restrictions. It will apply as of January 2025.