Greater Manchester Mayor Supports Effort to End Wolverhampton Taxis

The government has taken a significant step towards addressing concerns regarding taxis operating in areas outside their licensed regions.

Mayor Andy Burnham of Greater Manchester has welcomed the government's decision to consider whether he should be granted responsibility over taxi licensing, as part of a larger discussion on devolution of powers.

This move could potentially end the practice of Wolverhampton-licensed taxis operating in Greater Manchester, which has raised safety and regulatory concerns.

Concerns About Out-of-Area Taxis

The issue of out-of-area taxis, specifically those licensed in Wolverhampton but operating in Greater Manchester, has been a point of contention for local authorities and taxi drivers. Nearly 9,000 private hire drivers in Greater Manchester—approximately 35% of the total—are licensed with Wolverhampton council. This situation has led to frustrations among local drivers and councils, as they lack control over the standards and regulations governing these taxis.

Despite this practice being legal, local councils in Greater Manchester have voiced concerns that they cannot ensure the same level of safety, criminal background checks, and overall service standards for drivers licensed outside their area. The government's acknowledgment of these issues marks a significant turning point in addressing the licensing gap between different regions.

Government's Recognition of the Issue

The government has publicly recognized the concerns surrounding out-of-area working by private hire vehicles. In a White Paper published on December 16, the government pledged to explore ways to tackle this issue by potentially granting more powers to mayors, such as Burnham, to manage taxi licensing. The idea is to replicate the system used in London, where the mayor has authority over taxi regulation.

Burnham, in response to the announcement, expressed optimism, describing the move as a "big step forward" towards tackling the problem of out-of-area taxis. He noted that this would not only address concerns over public safety but would also help manage the number of vehicles on the road, particularly during busy times such as weekends.

The White Paper and Its Proposals

The English Devolution White Paper outlines the government's approach to potentially giving mayors more control over taxi licensing. Although the White Paper does not provide specific details on the consultation process, it highlights the benefits of centralizing licensing powers. According to the document, administering taxi and private hire vehicle licensing across a larger area could help increase consistency in standards and improve enforcement efforts.

The government also suggests that greater economies of scale would make licensing more efficient, reducing the incentive for drivers to seek licenses in areas where regulations may be more lenient. This proposal aims to address concerns over public safety, service quality, and congestion caused by an influx of out-of-area taxis in regions like Greater Manchester.

Burnham's Response and the Future of Taxi Licensing

Andy Burnham welcomed the government's announcement, acknowledging that it represents a significant step in resolving the concerns surrounding out-of-area taxis. Burnham emphasized the importance of ensuring that licensing regulations are consistent across Greater Manchester to maintain high standards for safety and service quality. He also pointed out the issue of congestion caused by a large number of Wolverhampton-licensed taxis operating in the city, particularly during weekends.

Despite the positive momentum, Burnham is cautious about the next steps. He noted that while the move is promising, there is still a "hurdle" to cross in the form of a consultation process. However, he remains confident that the necessary changes will eventually be implemented.

The consultation process will be key in determining how the proposed changes will affect the taxi industry and local communities. The government has committed to working with stakeholders to understand the potential impacts before making a final decision.

The Road Ahead: A Change for the Taxi Sector

The proposed changes to taxi licensing represent a significant shift in how private hire vehicles are regulated across different regions in the UK. If implemented, these changes could fundamentally alter the dynamics of the taxi industry in Greater Manchester and other regions facing similar issues with out-of-area licensed taxis.

The government’s plan to grant mayors more control over taxi licensing is a response to growing concerns about safety, service standards, and traffic management. As discussions continue, the consultation process will be crucial in shaping the future of taxi regulation in Greater Manchester and beyond.