Slow licence renewals 'left cabbie unable to work'

Balbir Singh, chair of a taxi worker group, said City of Wolverhampton Council was told about slow renewals at a meeting in June

A taxi driver was unable to work for two months because of the slow process of renewing his licence in Wolverhampton, a campaign group claims.

Wolverhampton Taxi and Private Hire Federation chair Balbir Singh said the driver had now got a three-month licence extension and was working again.

But such problems have arisen, he claims, because a high number of out-of-town drivers take advantage of lower licence charges levied by the city council, compared to their own authority areas.

However, City of Wolverhampton Council said drivers can continue to work while "their renewal application is processed, provided it is correct and complete, and all drivers' renewal letters make this clear".

In 2024, the authority said it "has never actively encouraged applications from drivers outside the city.

"But, existing legislation requires that if an application is submitted and requirements are met, then the application must be granted," it added.

Licences have to be renewed every year for people over 65 or every three years for those under 65, Mr Singh said.

'We should be prioritised'

Taxi industry workers raised the issue of slow renewals at an authority meeting in June.

"We work for Wolverhampton city council. We work in the borough. We don't work in Manchester," Mr Singh continued.

"We should be prioritised [compared to] the out-of-town cabs."

A spokesperson for the authority sought to reassure Mr Singh renewals "are being processed by our officers".

"Renewals will be granted once all documentation and test results are received," they said.

"The Wolverhampton Taxi & Private Hire Federation is a member of the council's trade group and members are also welcome to discuss any issues and concerns at these meetings."

Meanwhile, the authority said it was working with West Midlands Police to introduce a dedicated officer who would help provide more safety and security for drivers and passengers.

'Tackle illegal ghost plates'

The police officer would support the council's licensing team to carry out compliance checks on taxis and private hire vehicles licensed, the authority said.

A council spokesperson said under law, only police officers could stop moving vehicles, "meaning council licensing teams rely on police support when carrying out compliance checks".

These checks "cover a number of elements including vehicle condition, insurance status, verification of pre-bookings and protecting licensed drivers from anti-social behaviour".

It was one of a number of initiatives developed by the council to improve safety, including driver licence checks by smartphone, provision of personal safety alarms and work "to tackle illegal ghost plates".

"The agreement, which will include the use of a marked police car, is currently being finalised," the spokesperson added.

In a statement, West Midlands Police said keeping roads and residents in the force area safe was a priority and it was working with the local authority to support the introduction of this post.