Time For a Standardized Private Hire Licensing System to Address Cross-Border Taxi Hiring Issues

Mayor of Greater Manchester Urges End to Cross-Border Taxi Hiring, Citing Public Safety Risks

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has called for an end to the cross-border taxi hiring practice, emphasizing that it endangers public safety, especially in areas with a lively night-time economy like Manchester. During a public hearing for the terrorism protection of premises bill, Burnham highlighted the increased risks posed by taxis licensed outside Greater Manchester, particularly those from Wolverhampton, which often operate in Manchester during weekends. This issue, he argued, jeopardizes the safety of residents and visitors alike.

Burnham’s concerns reflect growing discontent among councils across the UK, who are frustrated with the current system that permits taxis licensed in one authority to operate in another. Burnham described the Manchester scene on weekend nights as flooded with taxis bearing Wolverhampton plates, underscoring the challenges this creates for local authorities in ensuring public safety. He argued that the lack of local jurisdiction undermines safety efforts, as these vehicles may not adhere to Manchester’s standards.

In making his case, Burnham stressed that the potential risks extend beyond general licensing concerns, highlighting recent issues around public safety, including spiking and mistreatment of women and girls. “If we want to achieve the level of safety we all want to see in our country,” Burnham stated, “there must be a more serious look at what happens within the night-time economy.”

Burnham’s calls come amid a larger debate on whether local authorities should maintain control over taxi licensing to prevent out-of-area taxis from operating in regions with specific safety standards. He contends that when taxis are licensed far from their area of operation, the responsibility to ensure passenger safety becomes fragmented. Burnham added, "Public safety should not be compromised by taxis licensed one hundred miles away," pushing for a framework where local councils have authority over the taxis that operate within their boundaries.

Critics Question Burnham’s Approach, Suggesting Standardized Licensing Model

While Burnham’s stance has gained support from some councils, critics argue that each licensing authority already performs thorough background and safety checks. Taxi drivers and vehicles must meet rigorous safety standards, whether they are licensed in Manchester, Wolverhampton, or elsewhere. Licensing authorities access a centralized database for criminal background checks, which critics say ensures safety standards are consistent nationally, regardless of licensing location.

This centralized system, critics argue, makes it unnecessary to restrict cross-border hiring, as drivers who meet the requirements are licensed to operate throughout the UK. In response, supporters of a more unified licensing system propose a national private hire and taxi licensing standard, which would align licensing requirements across all local authorities and mitigate cross-border conflicts without restricting drivers’ flexibility to operate outside their licensed area.

A national licensing standard, similar to the DVLA’s approach to driver licensing, would require all private hire and taxi operators to adhere to uniform safety and competency criteria. This system, known as PAG-C Licensing, would enable local councils to maintain control while reducing administrative burdens and minimizing confusion for drivers. Supporters argue that a national framework would remove inconsistencies and increase safety, benefiting both councils and drivers.

Calls for Collaborative Licensing and Standardization

Instead of limiting cross-border taxi hiring, a collaborative framework could foster cooperation among local councils, ensuring drivers’ compliance across jurisdictions. Advocates for this approach suggest that shared licensing standards would streamline regulation without compromising local safety standards. The proposed national licensing system would allow councils to oversee safety and ensure that drivers meet the required standards, creating a balance between local control and operational flexibility.

The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of cross-border taxi hiring, involving both local safety concerns and broader legislative implications. As Mayor Burnham and other figures continue to press for changes, discussions increasingly focus on the need for a cohesive licensing framework that can protect public safety without stifling economic flexibility.

In summary, while Mayor Burnham’s safety concerns resonate with many, a national private hire and taxi licensing standard could offer a balanced solution that addresses local control and public safety without resorting to restrictive policies on cross-border hiring. A standardized model may provide clarity for councils and drivers alike, fostering a safer, more efficient taxi industry across the UK.