“Private hire licence system broken” – Mayor of Greater Manchester

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has been vocal about the challenges posed by out-of-area taxi licensing. He argues that the current system, which allows drivers to obtain licences from any local authority regardless of where they operate, undermines public safety and local accountability.

Wolverhampton Council has become a focal point in this debate, as it issues a significant proportion of England’s taxi licences, including many for drivers operating in Greater Manchester.

Burnham is advocating for legislative changes to grant city-regions more control over taxi licensing. He believes this would ensure higher safety standards, better enforcement of vehicle conditions, and greater accountability. The government has acknowledged these concerns and is exploring options to address the issue.

This situation highlights the broader implications of deregulation in the taxi industry, which Burnham describes as a “broken system.” His campaign, “Backing our Taxis: Local. Licensed. Trusted,” aims to rally support for reforms that prioritize passenger safety and support local drivers.

Trade Perspective

According to the BBC, the issue of private hire vehicle licensing has sparked significant debate in Manchester.

Aqeel Arshad, from Street Cars, highlighted that drivers often seek licenses in regions where the process is cheaper and less stringent, such as Wolverhampton, where applications cost £89 compared to £254 in Manchester.

This has led to frustration among local drivers, with Sham Raja from the National Private Hire and Taxi Association noting that out-of-town drivers often disregard local rules, creating challenges for those operating within Manchester.