Border Wars: The Ongoing Debate Over Cross-Region Taxi Licensing in the UK

Cross-border taxi licensing has been a contentious issue in the UK for quite some time. Current regulations allow private hire drivers to operate across different regions, provided they are licensed in one. 

The problem lies in the fact that taxi drivers licensed in one local authority can operate in another without being subject to the same regulations. This creates a regulatory gap and can lead to various issues, including safety concerns and unfair competition. 

Multiple local authorities have called for reforms, and there have been discussions at the national level to address this issue. While for some it is a pressing concern, for others it is a non-issue. This difference I opinion means there is very little being done to end cross-border licensing.  

Members of the taxi and private hire industry in Greater Manchester have been highlighting this in recent weeks. They point to an influx of thousands of drivers, licenced elsewhere in the country, operating in the area.  

While this practice is entirely legal it raises eyebrows. 

A Freedom of Information request from the BBC has revealed that 9,000 drivers registered with Wolverhampton Council reside in Greater Manchester. Mayor Andy Burnham has criticized the high number of Wolverhampton-licensed drivers operating in the area. 

A Transport for Greater Manchester representative said:

"The existing system means local councils can't guarantee a high standard from 'out of area' drivers and their vehicles. A change in the law is required to make sure anyone who drives or operates a taxi or private hire vehicle in Greater Manchester meets high safety standards and is licensed in our area." 

This sentiment was echoed earlier this year by Burnham, when he was interviewed on BBC Radio Manchester: 

“How are they not checking up on those taxis and those drivers, but they're taking in the money for it. They shouldn't be doing it because they're giving plates without being able to then monitor the performance.” 

This concern is reflected by many local drivers, and they are worried that it could reflect poorly on them and impact trust in the industry. Wolverhampton Council strongly refute the claims that drivers licensed in their area are of poorer quality than those licensed in Greater Manchester. 

While there are differences between their licensing regime, fundamentally the policies are not dissimilar. 
 
Representatives from Wolverhampton Council point to the extensive screening required before a licence is issued, including a day training course, enhanced disclosure and barring service checks, a medical l certification and a face-to-face English assessment. 

So, while safety standards may be a moot point, local drivers are also feeling the impact in terms of competition. With all the extra drivers, it's affecting the bottom line for local operators. 

However, some see the freedom to operate across regions as a cornerstone of a free market. Restricting this could limit opportunities for drivers and potentially lead to monopolistic practices. 

But there is a solution. 

The obvious solution to all conversations about cross-border licensing is to address something the industry has been crying out for, for years. Unified national licensing standards. 

A unified regulatory framework would streamline standards and ensure that all drivers, regardless of their licensing origin, meet the same criteria. This could potentially enhance public trust and simplify enforcement for local authorities. 

However, opponents point out that a one-size-fits-all approach may not account for local nuances. For instance, what works in Wolverhampton may not necessarily be the best fit for Greater Manchester.  

The administrative burden of overhauling the system is another concern. 

A middle ground could be a tiered licensing system that allows for regional operation but under a set of nationally agreed-upon minimum standards. This would ensure safety without stifling business freedom. 

There are valid arguments for and against a unified regulatory framework but as the debate rages on (with no end in sight), one thing is clear: a balanced approach is needed to navigate this complex maze.