Sweeping changes affecting taxis will come into force next year, it was announced last week.

Licensing powers for taxis and private hire vehicles will be devolved to the Welsh Government early next year, meaning Abergavenny’s considerable taxi sector will be affected.

Economy Minister Ken Skates told the Senedd a major revamp will take place.

“When these planned improvements to rail and bus services are implemented, there will remain communities within our society for which public transport is simply not available or a viable alternative to use of a private motor vehicle,” he said.

“Taxis and private hire vehicles provide a vital public service, connecting people to places when alternative public transport services are not available or viable. The contribution that the sector makes to the night-time and tourism economy in many of our communities should not be underestimated.”

Mr Skates warned that taxi regulations have gone largely untouched for 200 years, with the most recent legislation dating back to 1976. The shift has been shaken up by booking apps such as Uber, he added.

It is hoped the new rules will protect licensed drivers from exploitation by rogue firms, and make it easier for cabbies to work across local authority lines.

“Above all, we have a duty to ensure that the licensing arrangement in Wales safeguards the public and prevents the exploitation of the professional drivers that are delivering these very important services across our communities,” he said.

A consultation will begin after next month’s general election on June 8.

There are over 9,000 licensed taxi and private hire drivers in Wales.