CROSS-BORDER: Out-of-area private hire vehicle licensing checks continue with Wolverhampton heading to Stansted and Cambridge
City of Wolverhampton Council Compliance Officers recently carried out inspections on licensed private hire vehicles and drivers in Cambridge and at Stansted Airport.
According to a council spokesperson, all vehicles and drivers passed the checks, demonstrating compliance with licensing regulations.
The checks highlight a continued focus on cross-border private hire operations, where drivers operate far from the area where their licence is issued. While legal under existing legislation, this practice has sparked concerns across the industry and among local authorities. Critics argue it creates inconsistencies in enforcement, as licensing standards and conditions can vary between councils.
Supporters of cross-border hiring say it provides flexibility for drivers and greater choice for passengers, particularly in areas where there may be fewer local operators. However, opponents worry that it undermines local accountability and could potentially lead to safety risks if vehicles are not subject to regular scrutiny in the areas where they primarily operate.
The Government’s devolution agenda, as outlined in the White Paper, raises questions about whether these concerns will be addressed. Some industry observers hope for reforms that give local authorities more power to regulate private hire operations within their boundaries, creating a more consistent and enforceable framework. However, details remain vague, leaving many uncertain whether meaningful changes will be introduced.
For now, the debate over cross-border hire continues, with councils like Wolverhampton maintaining a visible presence through compliance checks.
A City of Wolverhampton Council Public Protection spokesperson said: “Compliance Officers were in Cambridge and at Stanstead airport yesterday, undertaking checks on City of Wolverhampton Council licensed vehicles and drivers. All found to be fully compliant.”
