Tamworth Council pushes for ban on out-of-town licensed taxis to tighten safety and restore local control
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 15
Tamworth Borough Council has tabled a formal motion requesting the Secretary of State for Transport to support or enact new regulations aimed at preventing private hire drivers licensed outside the borough from operating locally. The move follows growing concern over safeguarding, regulatory inconsistencies and the ability of councils to enforce standards on drivers licensed elsewhere.
The motion, brought before full council on 9 September, cites multiple issues linked to the current cross-border hiring system, which allows private hire drivers to operate across England and Wales regardless of the licensing authority.
One of the central concerns raised is the number of drivers obtaining licences from authorities known for less stringent processes. Wolverhampton City Council, in particular, was highlighted for issuing over 10% of England’s taxi licences by 2024. Its comparatively low fees and quicker processes have made it a licensing hub, with many of the drivers licensed there operating in other towns and cities.
Councillors say this licensing loophole allows drivers to sidestep stricter checks imposed by more robust local authorities. Areas such as Rotherham and Rochdale, which have introduced tougher safeguarding measures including CCTV and enhanced vetting, have seen such standards bypassed by drivers registering elsewhere.
The motion also draws attention to the difficulties local councils face in monitoring or disciplining out-of-area drivers. When issues arise, such as breaches of conduct or public complaints, local licensing teams have limited authority to take enforcement action unless the driver is registered with them.
Tamworth’s councillors warned that this undermines public safety and has contributed to a loss of public confidence. The current system, they argued, gives residents the impression that safety measures can be easily avoided, especially in communities still sensitive to the risks posed by exploitation and grooming.
Although the law currently prevents councils from refusing a licence application based on the applicant’s home address, the motion argues that statutory reform is both necessary and achievable. The Government has already indicated its willingness to review aspects of the taxi licensing system following the recommendations made in Baroness Casey’s review into child sexual exploitation.
Tamworth’s formal call asks the Government either to restrict private hire operations to drivers licensed by the authority where the work is carried out or to introduce uniform licensing standards across the country. Either measure, say councillors, would strengthen passenger protection and ensure greater consistency in taxi services.
The motion was passed by the council, who also agreed to write directly to the Secretary of State for Transport to pursue the matter at a national level.
