CROSS-BORDER: Multiple councils sign agreement to uniform taxi and PHV enforcement policies
Councils across Telford & Wrekin, Shropshire, City of Wolverhampton, and South Staffordshire have unified under a new partnership aimed at elevating taxi safety standards across the region.
The agreement, hailed as a significant step towards cohesive regulatory practices, focuses on ensuring the safety and compliance of licensed taxi and private hire drivers and their vehicles.
At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to apply rules and regulations uniformly across the councils involved. By fostering a collaborative policy on enforcement, the partnership seeks to streamline information sharing and coordinate cross-border enforcement activities, addressing a critical gap in the existing regulatory framework.
Cross-border rules for taxis and private hire vehicles have historically posed challenges for local authorities, particularly when it comes to overseeing vehicles operating outside their licensed areas. This partnership addresses such challenges head-on, aiming to simplify and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes & Enforcement, Councillor Richard Overton (Lab), said: “We’re pleased to lead this partnership and foster a united approach to taxi safety.
“Taxi services operate across council borders, so collaboration and communication are key tools. This agreement will ensure we continue working in a consistent way to protect residents and that all licensed taxi drivers and operators comply with the law.
“This statement shows our continued commitment to joint working to ensure that our passengers feel safe and have confidence in the taxi trade. This commitment continues to put public safety at the heart of decision making and enforcement.”
Leader of South Staffordshire Council, Cllr Roger Lees BEM, said: “This partnership agreement demonstrates the priority of taxi safety across the authorities, and our commitment to continue to work together in a consistent manner to protect our residents.”
Councillor Chris Schofield, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for Planning and Regulatory Services, said: “Shropshire Council is fully committed to this partnership agreement, which we believe will strengthen the approach to taxi safety across our respective boundaries and enhance the work that each local authority has already been doing individually and collectively.”
Councillor Craig Collingswood, City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “Partnership working is integral to protecting the public, not only in Wolverhampton but across the region and country. Wolverhampton is working to strengthen relationships with other licensing authorities, share best practice and stay one step ahead of those that might otherwise abuse their position of trust granted by the council. We also want to protect taxi drivers, who are earning a living as an integral part of the public transport network that we all use.”
