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The British Hospitality Association (BHA) today commended Transport for London (TFL) for issuing a second consultation to modernise private hire regulations, which could result in tighter regulations on so-called sharing economy businesses like Uber.
BHA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim said: “This consultation by TFL will look into the regulations governing private-hire taxis and is to be commended. It shows that TFL is listening to its stakeholders across the industry and concerns for public safety and standards.”
The investigation into the ‘sharing economy’ mini-cab sector, which includes multi-billion dollar US firm Uber, will explore whether providers should be allowed to continue operating under lighter, less costly regulations than the rest of the sector.
The TFL consultation could have repercussions for the hospitality industry. Hotels, B&Bs, serviced apartments and other types of visitor accommodation are facing challenges from more lightly regulated home-exchange businesses such as Airbnb.
The BHA said it believes the government should act to ensure fire, health and safety regulations apply equally to every player within the industry, including sharing economy accommodation providers.
Ibrahim continued: “The BHA role’s is to champion better standards across the industry. Visitors and residents alike should be free to choose any transport or indeed accommodation that they prefer. However, all customers must be afforded the same basic regulation and health and safety protection.”
