Wolverhampton private hire drivers checked for compliance over 150 miles away in Exeter
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
Wolverhampton Council officers carried out taxi compliance checks in Exeter this week, over 150 miles from their home licensing authority.
According to the council, all Wolverhampton-licensed vehicles stopped at Exeter St David’s train station passed the inspections.
The incident highlights ongoing debate around cross-border licensing in England. Under current rules, taxi and private hire drivers can operate in areas far beyond the council that licensed them, as long as bookings are taken through an operator also licensed by the same authority. This legal framework allows drivers licensed in one area to work virtually anywhere in England.
Wolverhampton has become one of the busiest licensing authorities in the country. It issues licences to a large number of drivers, many of whom work outside the city, including in areas like Exeter. Local authorities and trade bodies have raised concerns over this arrangement, pointing to a lack of local accountability and enforcement.
The rules do not currently require out-of-area drivers to comply with local authority conditions in the area they are working. This means councils like Exeter have limited powers to enforce standards or carry out vehicle checks on Wolverhampton-licensed drivers operating in their area.
The system continues to raise questions among local councils, drivers, and the public about fairness, regulation, and passenger safety. Calls for reform to the cross-border licensing laws remain a subject of national debate.
A Wolverhampton Council Public Protection spokesperson said: “Compliance Officers have been working at Exeter St David's train station today, carrying out checks on Wolverhampton Council drivers and vehicles. Pleased to report all 100% compliant and roadworthy.”
