New taxi rules could put passenger safety at risk, claim Wolverhampton chiefs
Council bosses fear Government proposed changes to taxi licensing regulations could put the safety of members of the public at risk.
Proposals for a deregulation bill which would allow drivers and vehicles from other parts of the country to complete journeys booked through Wolverhampton based operators have been criticised by Wolverhampton City Council.
The council has written to Oliver Letwin, minister for Government policy and the sponsoring minister for the deregulation bill, highlighting their concerns that the changes would make it impossible to ensure drivers or their vehicles meet required standards.
Councillor John Reynolds, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for City Services, said: "The council has serious reservations about the prospect of taxi journeys booked through local operators being completed by drivers and vehicles licensed in another area.
"We will have no enforcement powers regarding the conduct and behaviour of these drivers when they complete such jobs – and if passengers have a complaint there will be confusion about who they could complain to and what action, if any, could be taken by either of the licensing authorities involved.
