Public safety could be put at risk by proposals to deregulate the taxi industry, union figures have warned.

A GMB union representative and Brighton cab driver said drivers could resort to direct action after amendments to a Bill passed the committee stage of Parliament.

The plan to introduce unregulated taxi drivers would harm the industry and could put women at risk of assault, the union claimed.

Mick Hildreth, GMB secretary for the taxi industry and operations manager for City Cabs in Brighton, said: “The Government’s proposals will destroy the tremendous passenger safety culture, established over many years in the industry. The proposals will also potentially lead to more women being put at risk to assault and attack who have to travel late at night, by unregulated drivers.”

Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “I’m deeply concerned that deregulation could cause serious damage to the industry.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “These proposals will bring significant benefits for the taxi and private hire trades.”