CROSS BORDER TAXIS: Bolton Council’s hands are tied when it comes to regulating ‘out-of-towners’ says Councillor
A Bolton Councillor has voiced growing concerns about the increasing number of out-of-town taxis and private hire vehicles (PHV) operating in the borough with licences issued by other local authorities, particularly from Wolverhampton. At a recent town hall meeting, the issue of Bolton’s inability to enforce regulations on these taxis took centre stage, sparking a wider debate about cross-border taxi licensing.
Over the past few years, the number of taxis and private hire vehicles licensed by councils outside Bolton has risen significantly. This trend has left residents and local councillors frustrated, as they are forced to rely on external authorities to act on reports of alleged misconduct. Councillor Ryan Bamforth, representing Horwich North, highlighted the issue at the meeting, stating that he was pursuing complaints from residents who were concerned about the growing presence of these vehicles.
“It seems to be a loophole for many to go to what would appear are less strict local authorities to operate here in Bolton, taking away the term ‘local’ and in some ways making our licensing department potentially redundant on this matter,” Bamforth told the council.
The Problem of Cross-Border Hire
The root of the issue lies in the current rules surrounding cross-border hiring of taxis and private hire vehicles. Under the Deregulation Act of 2015, private hire operators gained the right to subcontract bookings across local authority boundaries. This legislative change allows private hire vehicles, as well as Hackney carriages, to operate legally in areas where they are not licensed, provided certain conditions are met.
Councillor Sue Haworth, Bolton’s cabinet member for regulatory services, explained that this system requires a private hire vehicle, its driver, and its operator to be licensed by the same authority, forming what she referred to as the “trinity of licences.” Hackney carriages, meanwhile, are permitted to take on contracts and pre-booked work in other areas, though they are only allowed to rank at taxi stands in the area where their licence was issued.
This has led to what many refer to as “out-of-towners” operating in Bolton, with a significant number of taxis displaying licences from Wolverhampton in particular. Bolton Council, however, has no direct enforcement powers over these vehicles, leaving it dependent on the licensing authorities where the taxis are registered to investigate any reports of wrongdoing.
Enforcement Issues
When it comes to tackling issues with out-of-town taxis, Bolton Council’s hands are tied. Councillor Haworth confirmed that Bolton has no enforcement powers over taxis and private hire vehicles licensed by other councils. Instead, any complaints or reports of misconduct must be forwarded to the authority that issued the licence.
“We forward details of any wrongdoing to the relevant licensing authority and rely on them to investigate and take appropriate action,” Haworth said. She acknowledged that the situation has been “contentious” within licensing departments across the country.
Bolton residents and councillors have expressed concern that this process can lead to delays in addressing issues, as Bolton has no control over how swiftly or thoroughly external councils respond. The lack of direct oversight has raised fears about public safety and the quality of service provided by taxis operating in the borough under licences from other authorities.
A Call for Stronger Licensing Powers
The frustration within Bolton over the current system is not unique. Across Greater Manchester, councils have been grappling with similar issues as more out-of-town taxis appear on local roads. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has been pushing for a stronger regulatory framework to give councils more control over vehicles operating within their boundaries, regardless of where they are licensed.
Councillor Haworth noted that the GMCA is making the case for an overhaul of licensing regulations, and discussions are expected to feature in a forthcoming white paper on English devolution. Local authorities hope that these changes will give them the enforcement powers they currently lack and help close the loophole that allows taxis licensed by other councils to operate with little oversight.
A Complex Issue
The debate over cross-border taxi licensing highlights the complexities of balancing deregulation with local oversight. While the Deregulation Act of 2015 was intended to offer more flexibility to private hire operators, it has also opened the door to a system where local authorities, like Bolton, struggle to regulate the vehicles serving their residents.
As it stands, Bolton’s ability to control the taxi services operating within its borders remains limited. While the council can report any wrongdoing, the enforcement of penalties or the revocation of licences ultimately rests with the issuing authority. Until regulatory reforms are introduced, Bolton’s licensing team will continue to operate in a reactive rather than proactive capacity, dependent on the cooperation of other councils to uphold standards and address complaints.
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