Wolverhampton licensing officers carry out cross border private hire compliance operation at Manchester Airport
Wolverhampton Taxi Licensing Compliance Officers collaborated with Greater Manchester Police and other agencies in a multi-agency operation at Manchester Airport.
The effort also involved representatives from the DVSA, Immigration Enforcement, and Rochdale Trading Standards, all focused on public safety.
The City of Wolverhampton Council confirmed the enforcement activity, highlighting the coordinated efforts between authorities. However, the council did not disclose specific outcomes or data from the operation.
The involvement of Wolverhampton officers in Manchester stems from current cross-border licensing regulations in England. Taxi and private hire vehicles, including those licensed by the City of Wolverhampton Council, are legally permitted to operate beyond their immediate licensing boundaries. This rule allows drivers licensed in one area to take bookings in another, often leading to complexities in enforcement and compliance monitoring.
Due to these cross-border permissions, Wolverhampton’s licensing authority holds responsibilities for ensuring vehicles and drivers licensed under their jurisdiction remain compliant, even when operating elsewhere. Operations such as the one at Manchester Airport help uphold these standards, despite the geographical distance from the issuing authority.
A City of Wolverhampton Council Public Protection spokesperson said: “On Thursday, Taxi Licensing Compliance Officers worked with Greater Manchester Police Traffic and partners from the DVSA, Immigration Enforcement and Rochdale Trading Standards at Manchester Airport. Excellent team work in operation keeping the public safe.”