Taxi drivers nationwide backing Burnham’s call to fix “BROKEN’ taxi licensing system
- Perry Richardson
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Taxi drivers and private hire vehicle (PHV) operators are voicing strong support for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s new campaign to address cross-border PHV working. The campaign highlights a growing concern across the trade that the current licensing system in England is no longer fit for purpose.
Mark Roberts from Kidderminster pointed to “one particular council” abusing the system, while Richard Whitham called for a complete ban on cross-border working and described the current state as a result of “greed and laziness” from both drivers and government.
Dawn Kennerley criticised the cost of complying with her local licensing authority, only to see other drivers from outside the area operating with vehicles that do not meet the same standards. She gave the example of Wolverhampton-licensed vehicles using tilting seats which her own council bans on safety grounds.
Marc Pountney stressed that allowing local councils to properly police their own areas would create a safer environment for passengers. That view was echoed by Kevin Godfrey, who raised concerns about Wolverhampton-plated vehicles working in Stevenage without clear signage, calling it a passenger safety issue.
Brian Pearson proposed a straightforward solution, that every PHV journey should either start or finish in the area in which the vehicle is licensed. James Samson added that wider licensing reform is needed, with tighter regulation and clearer public understanding of the difference between Hackney and private hire services. He also called for higher minimum vehicle standards, particularly around accessibility.
While Burnham’s plan has received significant backing from those in the trade, many remain doubtful that the Government will act decisively. The current system allows drivers to be licensed in one area and operate freely in another, often with minimal oversight. This has led to confusion, inconsistent enforcement, and mounting frustration among drivers who play by the rules.
Burnham’s campaign aims to close these loopholes and return control of local licensing to local authorities. The challenge will now be persuading national government to implement the changes.
