OUT-OF-AREA WORRIES: Hull Council supports push to end Wolverhampton cross border private hire licensing in city
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 24
- 1 min read
Hull Council has backed calls for a change in legislation that would stop taxis licensed by Wolverhampton Council from operating in the city. The move follows increasing concern over the practice known as cross border hiring.
Cross border hiring allows private hire drivers licensed in one area to operate in another. A common example is Wolverhampton-licensed vehicles picking up fares in cities like Hull, despite not being licensed locally. The practice is legal under current rules, but has been widely criticised by councils, drivers and unions.
Hull councillors argue the system undermines local control over safety checks, enforcement and driver standards. Cllr Daren Hale said the situation was “a loophole” and stressed that residents and local taxi drivers want change.
A key issue is accountability. A spokesperson for Hull’s Labour Councillors’ Group pointed out that complaints about a Wolverhampton-licensed driver must be handled by Wolverhampton Council. Vehicle checks, MOT records and background vetting also fall under Wolverhampton’s control, even if the driver is operating hundreds of miles away.
Earlier this year, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham launched the “Backing Our Taxis” campaign to address the issue. The campaign calls for new national laws to stop drivers from working in areas where they are not licensed. Burnham argues that cross border hiring threatens public safety and harms properly licensed local drivers who must meet stricter local standards.
The growing national pressure for reform suggests this may be the beginning of a broader shift in how private hire licensing is managed across the UK.
Cllr Daren Hale said: “This loophole needs to end, and many residents and taxi drivers in Hull want action.”
