Proposals to tighten private hire regulations such as improving English skills and stricter insurance policies have been put forward.

Transport for London has kicked off its second consultation with the public as it plans to crackdown on Uber and other private cab companies.

More than 4,000 responses were sent in during the first consultation including suggestions to improve driver skills, English language capabilities and stricter insurance requirements.

Labour’s candidate for Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Londoners' safety depends on the proper regulation of the taxi and private hire sectors.

“At the moment there is not a level playing field and some operators don't have the level of checks needed to ensure Londoners’ safety.

“I welcome this consultation. Hopefully these measures will help protect Londoners and London's historic taxi trade.”

However, Uber has launched a petition against the regulations and said: “We understand that black cab drivers are feeling the pressure from services like Uber. But the answer is to level the playing field by reducing today's burdensome black cab regulations – not to introduce rules that will be bad for riders, drivers and London.”

The consultation will run for 12 weeks and close on December 23.