NO SIGNAGE: Wolverhampton Council sets new private hire vehicle guidelines to combat drivers ‘impersonating taxis’
Updated: Aug 4
City of Wolverhampton Council is setting a precedent by implementing new government guidelines aimed at curbing the menace of bogus taxis and bolstering passenger safety.
As of 1 August, Wolverhampton will enforce the Government's best practice guidance. This directive mandates that private hire drivers must refrain from displaying any livery signage, such as operator logos, on their vehicle doors.
The primary goal is to thwart the impersonation of private hire vehicles by those who might use imitation signage to operate illegally. There have been worrying reports across the UK of fake signs on unlicensed vehicles, with some serious incidents involving unlicensed drivers attacking lone passengers.
The council's regulatory committee has approved this change to ensure passengers verify their ride through the private hire vehicle licence plate on the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, passengers can confirm their driver and vehicle via direct contact with the operator using phone, text, or app. Drivers will have passenger details, including their name and destination, as provided during booking.
Over the past three months, the council conducted a consultation with the trade, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback. More than 2,250 respondents participated, with 93% supporting the signage changes. Respondents believe the changes will enhance passenger safety, prevent sticker-related vehicle damage, and reduce the risk of vandalism.
The Government also contends that excessive signage can mislead the public into mistaking private hire vehicles for taxis, potentially leading to unlicensed, uninsured, and illegal immediate hires.
Private hire vehicles are required to be pre-booked. To clarify this, the council issues a 'pre-booked only' sign for licensed drivers to display on each passenger window. For immediate hire needs, passengers should look for hackney carriages (black cabs) with an illuminated ‘TAXI’ light and ensure the vehicle has a valid hackney carriage licence plate. They should also verify the driver's hackney carriage or dual driver licence badge.
Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services, said: “It is important that, following consultation with the trade, City of Wolverhampton Council is implementing this guidance.
“The safety of all passengers is paramount and we are implementing government guidelines to try and prevent unscrupulous drivers creating fake signage and taking passengers under false pretences.
“This has led to instances of revoked drivers illegally plying for hire, as well as unlicensed drivers impersonating taxis. We want to work alongside the legitimate trade drivers to stop this type of fraudulent and frightening behaviour.
“I would encourage all passengers to look for the private hire vehicle licence plate on the rear of the vehicle and the badge worn by the driver. They can also contact the operator to double check details.
“People wanting to hail a cab in the street should only approach vehicles with an illuminated taxi sign, then check it has a valid hackney carriage licence plate. They should then verify the licence badge the hackney carriage driver is wearing.”
