Joint cross border taxi and private hire vehicle licensing operation sees SIX authorities converge
Licensing officials from six different authorities joined forces at Manchester Airport for a large-scale operation aimed at ensuring taxi and private hire vehicle compliance.
The operation, involving officers from Wolverhampton, Sefton, Liverpool, Salford, Trafford, Cheshire East, and Manchester, was supported by Greater Manchester Police. The collaborative effort was designed to ensure vehicles operating at the busy transport hub met licensing and safety standards.
A spokesperson for Wolverhampton Council’s Public Protection team confirmed the success of the initiative, reporting that all 13 Wolverhampton-licensed private hire vehicles inspected were compliant and roadworthy.
This coordinated action stems from the complexities of cross-border licensing, a system which allows drivers and operators to be licensed by authorities outside their area of operation. The flexibility of these rules can lead to vehicles working far from their licensing base, raising questions over compliance, enforcement, and local standards.
Joint operations are becoming more common as councils seek to maintain safety and fair competition within the private hire and taxi trade inside and outside of their licensing boundaries.
A City of Wolverhampton Council Pubilc Protection spokesperson said: “Compliance Officers have been on a successful joint operation at Manchester Airport today alongside Greater Manchester Police Airport, Sefton Council, Liverpool City Council, Salford Council, Trafford Council, Cheshire East Council and Manchester Licensing Officers. Working together to ensure everyone gets home safely.”
The spokesperson added: “Pleased to report that all 13 City of Wolverhampton Council private hire vehicles checked today were all fully compliant and roadworthy.”
