Private hire driver rally in Wolverhampton aiming to address operator pay and safety concerns

Today, the Private Hire Drivers Alliance (PHDA) will stage a demonstration in St Peter’s Square between 1 and 2pm. This action is part of the PHDA's ongoing campaign to address critical issues affecting private hire drivers, specifically pay, recruitment, and safety at work.

The PHDA is seeking to raise awareness about the challenges its members face, which they argue are rooted in decisions made by private hire operators and shaped by government legislation. Contrary to what might be assumed, the protest is not directed at the local council.

City of Wolverhampton Council officials clarified that the issues raised by the PHDA—such as pay rates and driver safety—are beyond the council’s control. The council’s licensing team has engaged with the alliance but has reiterated that they lack the legal authority to implement the changes demanded, such as setting higher minimum pay standards or limiting the number of new drivers.

This demonstration in St Peter’s Square follows a similar event held outside private hire operators’ offices in Birmingham. The PHDA is pushing for regulatory changes to improve working conditions for drivers, including the introduction of new driver caps and enhanced safety measures.

A spokesperson for City of Wolverhampton Council said: "The demonstration by the Private Hire Drivers Alliance (PHDA) relates to pay, recruitment and safer working conditions.

“These are controlled by private hire operators and Government legislation and not by the council.

“Our licensing team has met with members of the PHDA to listen to their concerns but have made them aware the council has no powers to address any of the demands being made.

“The demonstration is one of a series being held by the PHDA, including a recent event outside operators’ offices in Birmingham.

“Issues raised by the PHDA include a request for local authorities to set higher minimum pay standards, to introduce regulations to limit operators with new driver caps and to improve driver safety at work.

“There is no provision in any legislation for any councils to set the fares paid for private hire journeys. The council is also not legally able to refuse applications for private hire vehicles to limit their numbers.”