How does Wolverhampton's dominance in private hire vehicle licensing match up to other authorities?

Wolverhampton's private hire vehicle (PHV) industry has seen significant growth, and the latest figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) confirm its dominance.

As of April 2024, the City of Wolverhampton Council is responsible for licensing over 42,000 PHV drivers. This rise in numbers is no small feat, with Wolverhampton overseeing a 30% increase in licensed drivers between 2023 and 2024 alone. Much of this growth can be attributed to the council's efficient, low-cost licensing process, which has attracted operators from across the UK.

Wolverhampton's one-year driver licence renewal fee, for instance, is priced at just £39, a fraction of the cost charged by some other councils. This fee structure, coupled with streamlined processing, has drawn operators and drivers looking to cut costs and navigate a less burdensome licensing procedure.

Meanwhile, other major cities like Birmingham, Leeds, and Manchester have struggled to keep up. Though their vehicle and driver numbers remain significant, Wolverhampton's appeal is undeniable. For example, Birmingham, which is among the largest councils outside London, licensed 7,399 drivers in 2024 — a far cry from Wolverhampton's towering figure.

The trend is likely to continue unless the UK government steps in with legislation to regulate cross border licensing. Without intervention, Wolverhampton's market dominance looks set to grow further, continuing to reshape the UK's private hire industry.