Labour has approved new proposals to crack down on the number of taxis and private hire vehicles working "out-of-area", as well as boosting safety for passengers.
A new consultation aims to hear opinions on the process of reducing the number of different bodies that issue taxi and private hire vehicle licences to drivers.
At present, there are 263 different bodies that issue licences, including councils and Transport for London. Proposals suggest slashing this number down to just 70.
The 70 local transport authorities already manage local transport planning, with the consultation aiming to improve safety for women and girls.
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The changes that have been put forward by the Department for Transport would simplify the licensing system, improve enforcement and tackle "out-of-area" working.
This is when drivers licensed in one area work in another, which can create safety concerns and cause a spike in unfair competition for drivers registered in the correct area.
One of the largest changes included in the consultation would see Greater Manchester, which currently has 10 licensing authorities, cut to just one.
Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the measures were being put forward to prioritise passenger safety, which is "at the heart of everything we do".
The new consultation will look to impose new rules on taxis and private hire vehicles
|PA
The Labour MP for Nottingham South added: "These proposals, combined with the introduction of national minimum standards, are important next steps to making taxis and private hire vehicles as safe as possible.
"By moving licensing to all Local Transport Authorities, we're encouraging greater consistency and stronger enforcement across the country."
The Government is making these changes following the publication of Baroness Casey's National Audit on Group-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
This highlighted that efforts should be taken to crack down on taxis and private hire vehicles working out-of-area with more rigorous statutory standards.
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Taxis were seen to play a significant role in the Rotherham grooming gang scandal
| GETTYCommenting on the decision to amend taxi and private hire rules, Baroness Casey said weaknesses in the taxi licensing system had been "left open to exploitation by those intent on sexually exploiting children".
She described it as an "important first step" towards protecting passengers and protecting the most vulnerable who use taxis and private hire vehicles.
The Casey Report called on the Department for Transport to close the "loophole" allowing drivers to apply for licences anywhere in the country, even if they don't intend to operate in that area.
It specifically cited the 2014 Jay Report, which outlined that the role of taxi drivers was a "common thread" in child exploitation cases across England and was "evident from an early stage" in Rotherham.
Baroness Casey said there were still issues with how the Government tackled the problem | GB NEWSA similar link was made in the National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse to grooming gangs seen in Telford, Oldham and Newcastle.
A spokesperson for The Licensed Private Hire Car Association said: "We are delighted that the Government is consulting on making all Local Transport Authorities responsible for taxi and private hire vehicle licensing.
"Reducing the number of licensing authorities should enable licensing efficiencies and consistency of standards nationally for Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles, which in turn will improve safety for the travelling public."