A number of private-hire taxis in Salford are being traced back to Wolverhampton despite vehicles typically being operated and registered in the city where they operate.
Approximately 9,000 of Greater Manchester’s private hire vehicles have been registered in Wolverhampton where licences are cheaper and easier to secure.
Almost a fifth of the licences the Midlands council issues are to drivers in Greater Manchester. There are, however, no restrictions against this. All that is needed is a standard Private Hire Operators Licence.
Salford Council’s lead member for environment, neighbourhoods, sports and leisure, Councillor Barbara Bentham, explains: “We’re fully aware of the influx of taxis that are licensed outside the region and I’d echo the comments made by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.”
Mr Burnham has previously urged locals not to use taxis licensed “hundreds of miles away” as he believes that being registered in a different area from their main place of work is “undermining public safety” in Greater Manchester.
Compared to other areas in the country, Wolverhampton seems to be the cheapest and easiest place to acquire a permit. The cost is £289.48 for three years if the vehicle is less than 10 years old. In comparison, the same licence in Bury would cost £320 for a vehicle over three years old. It is also a much quicker process.
It is estimated 21,853 drivers obtained their taxi licence in Wolverhampton, with 8,952 of those found to be working in Greater Manchester, according to a Freedom of Information request submitted to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Wolverhampton Council insists it follows the correct licensing regulations and abides by the laws.
Ms Bentham explains: “We have a robust process with a higher standard of requirements, which ultimately benefits customers.”
Salford City Council currently licenses 1,141 private hire drivers. Restricting drivers to the area in which they are licensed would require a change in the law.
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