Out-of-area private hire vehicle enforcement operation sees Wolverhampton licence suspended during Greater Manchester checks
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A joint enforcement operation between City of Wolverhampton Council and Greater Manchester Police has led to the suspension of a Wolverhampton-licensed private hire vehicle operating in Tameside.
The check, carried out in Ashton-under-Lyne, saw 20 vehicles licensed by the Midlands authority inspected. One vehicle was suspended due to an engine management issue and a faulty rear brake light.
Cross border operations such as this aim to ensure that all private hire vehicles and drivers meet licensing standards, regardless of where they are working. They are typically carried out in response to concerns from local authorities and the public over safety, compliance, and fair competition.
Wolverhampton has issued a high number of licences to drivers living and working in cities across the country. The practice is legal under existing laws, which allow private hire vehicles to operate anywhere in England once booked through a licensed operator. However, it has drawn criticism from local licensing authorities who say it undermines their ability to enforce local standards.
Critics argue that councils issuing licences to drivers who rarely or never work in their area can result in weaker oversight and enforcement. Supporters say it allows drivers greater flexibility and choice in where they work.
The recent operation in Tameside is one of many collaborative checks carried out between councils and police forces to monitor out-of-area vehicles and address concerns over vehicle safety and driver conduct.
A City of Wolverhampton Council Public Protection spokesperson said: “On Wednesday, Compliance worked with Greater Manchester Police Traffic in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, Greater Manchester.
“20 City of Wolverhampton Council vehicles checked, 1 PHV suspended due to an engine management fault and a defective rear brake light.”
