TWO SUSPENDED: Wolverhampton Council cracks down on private hire vehicles working in Greater Manchester

Image credit: WV Public Protection

Wolverhampton Council’s taxi and private hire vehicles (PHV) Licensing team joined forces with Greater Manchester Police and the DVSA this week to carry out enforcement checks in Middleton, Greater Manchester.

The operation saw two Wolverhampton-licensed vehicles suspended after they were found to have accident-related damage.

The checks reflect the growing need for local authorities to conduct enforcement outside their own licensing areas. Wolverhampton, in particular, has become a major hub for issuing taxi licences, with many of its drivers working beyond city boundaries. This practice, known as cross-border hiring, is entirely legal under UK legislation. It allows private hire vehicles to operate in any area, provided they are dispatched through a licensed operator based in the issuing council’s jurisdiction.

However, this legal framework creates enforcement challenges. Licensing authorities must monitor their vehicles wherever they operate to ensure public safety and maintain standards. With Wolverhampton-licensed vehicles frequently seen outside the city, council officers must conduct regular out-of-area inspections to uphold compliance.

The latest operation highlights Wolverhampton Council’s ongoing efforts to meet these responsibilities. By working with police and DVSA partners, authorities aim to ensure all licensed vehicles remain safe and roadworthy, regardless of where they operate.

A City of Wolverhampton Council Public Protection spokesperson said: “On Thursday, Taxi Licensing Compliance worked with Greater Manchester Police Traffic and partners from the DVSA in Middleton, Greater Manchester.

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“Two Wolverhampton Council vehicles were found with accident damage and had their licences suspended.”