Support for national reform grows as cross-border licensing frustrates Manchester’s private hire sector
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
The Director of one of Manchester’s largest private hire firms has pledged his support for urgent national reform to address the growing issue of cross-border licensing.
Aqeel Arshad, Director of Street Cars Manchester, backed Mayor Andy Burnham’s push for a consistent, region-wide licensing framework across Greater Manchester.
Arshad recently pointed to a system that currently allows drivers to be licensed in one area and operate in another, often avoiding tougher local requirements. He said drivers are opting for councils with lower fees and fewer tests, describing it as “perfectly legal” but damaging to standards.
Manchester is seen to impose higher fees and stricter standards to ensure safety and quality. However, under the current licensing structure, each local authority sets its own rules. It is argued that this has created uneven conditions and challenges for operators and drivers working within stricter areas.
Around 12,000 private hire drivers are working in Greater Manchester on licences issued by councils outside the region. Arshad argued that if these drivers were brought under a unified licensing model, similar to Transport for London’s approach, it could boost local revenue by up to £3.6 million annually. These funds could improve enforcement, enhance service quality, and better support drivers.
He said the issue has been building for years and is not about criticising individual councils. Instead, he called for national legislation that would allow regional leaders to introduce consistent rules across boroughs.
Street Cars, which operates closely with multiple councils, wants a balanced system that offers fairness to drivers and safety for passengers. Arshad urged for a collaborative approach, warning that without reform, inconsistencies will continue to affect the industry.
Arshad said on LinkedIn: “As the Director of Street Cars Manchester, I fully support Mayor Andy Burnham’s recent call for national reform on private hire vehicle licensing.
“In a recent interview with the BBC, I spoke about a challenge that’s becoming harder to ignore — cross-border licensing. Drivers are increasingly getting licensed in one area but working in another. As I said then: “Drivers go where it’s easiest, it’s perfectly legal, they don’t want to go through the extra testing in Manchester.”
“Manchester, like many other cities, has higher fees and stricter requirements for good reason — to maintain safety and high service standards. But with each council setting its own rules, we’re left with a patchwork system. The result? Inconsistencies that impact drivers, operators, and passengers across the board.
“This goes beyond just regulation — it’s about sustainability. Right now, around 12,000 private hire drivers are working in Greater Manchester with licenses from councils outside the area. If all of these drivers were brought under a single, region-wide licensing system — similar to what Transport for London has in place — it could bring huge benefits. One estimate suggests Greater Manchester could generate an additional £3.6 million each year. That money could go straight back into the system: better enforcement, improved services, and stronger support for drivers across all boroughs.
“We work closely with many councils and respect the work they do. But the current framework has created some unintended consequences. It’s no surprise that councils with lower fees and quicker processing times have attracted more applicants. The demand for faster, cheaper licensing has been building for years — this situation was always going to come to a head.
“This isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about finding a way forward together. Greater Manchester needs the ability to introduce region-wide licensing — not to take control, but to bring consistency, fairness, and a better experience for everyone involved. That means giving local leaders the tools to respond to local needs.
“Right now, Mayor Burnham doesn’t have the power to make that change alone. It requires national legislation.
“At Street Cars, we want to see a fair, balanced system that supports drivers, protects passengers, and works for the whole country — not just Greater Manchester. Let’s find a way to get there, together.”
