Telford and Wolverhampton begin first joint taxi enforcement operation under new cross-boundary powers
- Perry Richardson
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Telford and Wolverhampton have carried out their first shared taxi enforcement operation under newly granted cross-boundary powers, marking a significant shift in how authorities across the region can act on non-compliant vehicles.
The Multi Agency Targeted Enforcement Strategy operation brought together Telford & Wrekin Council, City of Wolverhampton Council, Shropshire Council and West Mercia Police for coordinated inspections across two sites in the borough.
The activity follows Wolverhampton’s decision to grant Telford & Wrekin enforcement powers that allow its officers to inspect and suspend Wolverhampton-licensed vehicles operating locally if they are found to be unroadworthy. Wolverhampton officers now hold the same authority in reverse, enabling action against Telford & Wrekin licensed vehicles working inside the city.
The reciprocal agreement aligns with measures in the Department for Transport’s Best Practice Guidance, which seeks to close gaps that have allowed drivers to operate far from their licensing base with limited oversight.
New reciprocal inspection powers are used for the first time as councils and police target vehicle safety and licensing compliance.
Checks were carried out at NI Park in Newport and Randlay Car Park on Queen Elizabeth Way, with officers examining vehicle condition, documentation, and presentation standards. Several vehicles were stopped and inspected, with accident-related damage and insurance irregularities among the issues recorded. Non-compliant vehicles were referred back to their respective licensing authorities for further action.
The move signals a tougher regional stance on cross-border operations, an issue that has drawn increasing concern from councils and operators over accountability and enforcement consistency. Wolverhampton has one of the largest licensing footprints in England, meaning its vehicles frequently operate in neighbouring areas. The new powers give local authorities a way to address safety concerns on the spot rather than relying solely on the home authority to intervene.
Telford & Wrekin Council said it intends to expand collaborative enforcement with neighbouring authorities and the police, stressing the need for a consistent regulatory environment across the wider fleet. The council added that the approach is aimed at improving public safety, ensuring licensed vehicles meet required standards, and preventing operators from avoiding stricter local oversight by seeking licences elsewhere.
Members of the public can lodge complaints about Telford & Wrekin licensed drivers using the council’s online system. Concerns relating to Wolverhampton-licensed vehicles or Shropshire-licensed vehicles can be directed to their respective authorities.
Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, said: “This operation has proven the value of cross-boundary enforcement. By working together, we are closing the gaps that once allowed unsafe vehicles to operate unchecked. By working together we are sharing knowledge and improving our ability to ensure vehicles are safe for our residents.“Public safety must always come first. These new powers allow us to act swiftly and decisively, to act against vehicles which are not operating to the required standards.”
Sharon Major West Mercia Police, Licensing Mates Police Officer said: “This operation sends a clear message: unsafe or non-compliant vehicles will not be tolerated.
“By working in partnership, we’re using every tool available to protect the public and uphold high standards across our region.”Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, Cabinet Member for Resident Services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “City of Wolverhampton Council is proud to work with Telford & Wrekin Council in upholding public safety relating to the private hire industry.
“The councils have jointly authorised each other’s enforcement officers, to ensure that officers are equipped with the powers to take action against drivers of unsafe vehicles out of area.”
