CROSS SECTION ON CROSS BORDER: How do council, operator and driver associations match-up on views for taxi and PHV licensing reform in Blackpool?
- Perry Richardson
- 7 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Blackpool’s licensing authority, local operators and the town’s main driver association have set out sharply aligned concerns over cross-border private hire working and the lack of national licensing standards, warning that current legislation is no longer capable of regulating the modern taxi and PHV market.
Their written submissions to Parliament as part of an ongoing inquiry highlights a sector under pressure from inconsistent enforcement powers, fragmented regulatory rules and the rapid growth of out-of-area working.
Blackpool Council told MPs that the existing framework is “not equipped” to regulate app-based and flexible PHV operations, noting that the town has witnessed a rise in vehicles licensed elsewhere operating extensively in the resort. The authority said it is increasingly difficult to maintain consistent safety and service standards when drivers and vehicles from areas with less stringent conditions regularly work in Blackpool, contributing to declining confidence among passengers and operators. The council warned that on the current trajectory, hackney services risk becoming non-viable in a tourism-dependent town where wheelchair-accessible provision is already falling.
Operators are similarly concerned. Thomas Whiteside and Sons, believed to be England’s oldest taxi firm, argued that cross-border operations are eroding accountability and undermining local regulation. The company called for mandatory national licensing standards, real-time data sharing, geo-fencing and digital enforcement tools to limit out-of-area working. Its submission said the Government must legislate to restrict cross-border hiring or require drivers to work predominantly within their licensing area to restore regulatory control.
Council, operators and driver groups say cross-border working is undermining safety, enforcement and local service standards
The Blackpool Taxi Association delivered the strongest criticism, stating that local enforcement activity has “ceased entirely” since the council shifted to remote working. The association said this has created an environment in which out-of-town PHVs routinely operate illegally, park on ranks and tout for fares, aware that enforcement is minimal. It argues that Blackpool is misinterpreting its enforcement powers and that targeted training is needed to restore compliant operating conditions.
Variation between licensing authorities is a major fault line for all three groups. Blackpool Council said passengers face inconsistent safety and accessibility standards, often without knowing which authority licensed a vehicle if a complaint needs to be raised. It also warned that drivers from authorities with lower fees and simpler entry requirements can undercut local operators, creating market distortions. The council expressed support for national minimum licensing conditions, but emphasised that any standardised rules must be unambiguous and enforceable.
The driver association said the impact of these variations is directly visible on Blackpool’s roads. It claims many out-of-area drivers working via ride-hailing platforms rely solely on satellite navigation and frequently commit road traffic errors, including several incidents of driving the wrong way on one-way streets during peak periods. It wants the reinstatement of a full local knowledge test and stricter eligibility requirements for PHV applicants.
Reform proposals also diverge on structure. Blackpool Council is open to exploring a joint national transport agency to oversee licensing and enforcement. In contrast, the Blackpool Taxi Association opposes regional hubs, arguing they would add bureaucracy and weaken local accountability. Both, however, call for clearer enforcement powers, better national data systems and more consistent safeguarding rules.
Despite differences in preferred governance models, the shared view is that cross-border working has outpaced current legislation. Each group says an overhaul is now essential to protect passenger safety, stabilise the regulated trade and prevent further erosion of local control in towns where late-night and seasonal demand relies heavily on consistent taxi and PHV services.
