“SERIOUS ABOUT CLOSING THIS LOOPHOLE: Council steps up action to tackle out-of-area private hire drivers
- Perry Richardson
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) has launched a campaign to address rising concerns about private hire and taxi drivers licensed outside the area operating within the district. The council is responding to pressure from locally licensed drivers who say the current system creates unfair competition and reduces the council’s ability to maintain standards.
Under current licensing rules, drivers refused or revoked by SKDC can legally apply to other councils for a licence and continue to work in South Kesteven by only accepting pre-booked fares. This is seen by local drivers and SKDC as a regulatory loophole that undermines local enforcement efforts.
SKDC Council Leader, Cllr Ashley Baxter, is lobbying central government to change national legislation that allows cross-border operations without sufficient oversight. He argues that without reform, the district’s licensing authority remains unable to hold these drivers to account under SKDC’s higher standards of conduct, safety, and vehicle condition.
To strengthen local enforcement, SKDC licensing officers have stepped up patrols during peak times, including weekend evenings and nights. Their focus has included ensuring only locally licensed drivers use designated taxi ranks, that private hire vehicles are not picking up street hails, and that visiting drivers are compliant with local parking restrictions. The team is also coordinating with Lincolnshire County Council and other enforcement bodies.
As part of its long-term strategy, the council plans to host a driver workshop this autumn. The event will give drivers and operators an opportunity to raise concerns and receive updated guidance. It is also intended to encourage cooperation between SKDC and the industry on matters of safety and regulation.
Cllr Philip Knowles, Cabinet Member for Licensing, said: “We are serious about closing this loophole and bringing a more level playing field for SKDC-licensed drivers and vehicles.
“We are operating intensive weekend and evening patrols in all four towns with enforcement action being taken on an escalating scale, starting with advice, then warning as we encourage compliance.
“For illegal parking, we liaise with the police, review CTTV footage and also share concerns with Lincolnshire County Council as the street parking authority.”
One of the concerns of SKDC-licensed drivers was of Peterborough, Rutland and Wolverhampton-registered vehicles – including Uber – remaining in Stamford for pick-ups.
Cllr Knowles added: “Legally, there are no restrictions in place about where journeys start and finish, even for drivers licensed elsewhere, which means they can end up here and wait for their next job.
“We are taking the opportunity to question these drivers, advise them and take positive action where appropriate.
“Where there are concerns, information is collected during our patrols so that we can report any concerns or issues directly to their licensing authority.”
