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Wolverhampton private hire driver has licence REVOKED after Liverpool city centre plying-for-hire investigation
A Wolverhampton-licensed private hire vehicle (PHV) driver has lost their licence after Liverpool City Council enforcement officers reported suspected illegal plying for hire during an early morning operation.
The incident took place on 1 March 2026, when licensing officers encountered the driver in Liverpool city centre. Officers suspected the individual of plying for hire, an activity prohibited for private hire drivers regardless of which local authority issued their licence.
Liverpool City Council subsequently referred the incident to Wolverhampton City Council, the authority responsible for licensing the driver.
Following a licensing review hearing on 8 October 2026, the driver’s licence was revoked with immediate effect.
Liverpool City Council Licensing confirmed the action in a statement published on social media.
The authority said: “In the early hours of 1/3/26 LCC Enforcement officers encountered a Wolverhampton licensed PHV driver suspected of plying for hire in Liverpool city centre.
“The incident was reported to Wolverhampton.
“Following a review hearing on 8/10/26, the driver’s licence was revoked with immediate effect.”
The case demonstrates how enforcement intelligence gathered by one licensing authority can result in action against a driver licensed elsewhere.
Although Liverpool officers identified the suspected offence, the subsequent licensing decision was taken by City of Wolverhampton Council.
Under existing taxi and private hire legislation, private hire vehicles must be booked in advance through a licensed operator. Unlike hackney carriages, they cannot lawfully accept passengers who approach them directly in the street or at taxi ranks.
Drivers found to be unlawfully plying for hire can face prosecution and licensing sanctions. Depending on the circumstances, illegally accepting passengers may also raise questions about whether the journey is covered by the vehicle’s insurance.
