Private hire drivers accused of sexual assaults

Over the past three months, there have been 17 allegations of sexual assault or rape involving private hire drivers licensed in Wolverhampton. Almost 33,900 private hire vehicles are currently licensed by the city, with 96% operating outside Wolverhampton, earning it the nickname the "taxi capital" of the UK and attracting criticism from other councils.

A Freedom of Information request by a London taxi driver revealed that nine of the 17 reported incidents between 11 August and 11 November involved passengers. A spokesperson for the City of Wolverhampton Council stated that the frequency of complaints against their drivers is lower than in many other licensing areas.

"Passenger safety is our top priority, and we adhere to all government standards for taxi licensing," the spokesperson said. "None of the drivers had prior criminal convictions when their licences were issued. Upon learning of any allegations, licences were surrendered within one working day. Our policy prohibits issuing licences to anyone with a sexual offence or listed on a barred register. Our checks are rigorous, and we are the only authority to conduct daily DBS checks on all drivers."

Mark White, a London black cab driver and member of the London Cab Drivers Club, highlighted concerns about drivers licensed in Wolverhampton operating elsewhere. "I've seen dangerous vehicles and drivers bypassing checks because they are outside the city," he said. "This is a serious issue for passengers, legitimate drivers, and authorities maintaining safety standards."

In response, the council emphasized that public safety is a priority, conducting compliance operations nationwide, including on Friday and Saturday nights. Officers use equipment such as laser tyre-tread readers, infra-red cameras, and enforce prohibitions on 3D/4D licence plates. The council also supports TyreSafe and educates drivers on tyre safety.

Over the last five years, Wolverhampton's licensed private hire fleet has tripled, reaching 33,893 vehicles in 2025 compared with 10,768 in 2020. This growth has raised concerns from councils in Manchester, Blackpool, Somerset, Hull, and Portsmouth, which have called for restrictions on "out-of-town" taxi licensing.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, argued that allowing vehicles licensed outside the region to operate locally poses safety risks and disadvantages local operators. Mark White described the situation as a "national scandal," warning that restrictions in London could push vehicles to operate elsewhere without oversight.

The City of Wolverhampton Council stated it has called for uniform standards, consistent fees, and improved cross-border enforcement. David Pattison, the councils chief operating officer, defended the authoritys licensing system, citing efficiency, strong safeguarding measures, and rigorous evaluation of convictions. Allegations are investigated within a single day, he added.

The government has announced that the Department for Transport will consult on reforms to transfer taxi and private hire licensing responsibility to fewer authorities, reducing the number from 263 to 70, aiming to improve consistency in standards nationwide.

Author's Opinion: A Closer Look at Wolverhampton's Licensing System

The recent allegations of sexual assault and rape involving Wolverhampton-licensed private hire drivers have raised serious concerns. While the city's licensing authority insists that their checks are rigorous and passengers' safety is a priority, the reality is more complex. With 96% of vehicles operating outside of Wolverhampton, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain oversight and ensure that these vehicles meet safety standards in other regions.

The rapid expansion of the licensed fleet—now exceeding 33,000 vehicles—has inevitably stretched the resources available for effective monitoring. Wolverhampton's claims that they conduct daily DBS checks and operate nationwide compliance operations are commendable, but the scale of the issue demands even greater scrutiny. The fact that over 30,000 vehicles operate largely beyond the city's borders complicates efforts to enforce these safety standards.

Furthermore, the concerns voiced by other councils, including Manchester and Blackpool, regarding the safety risks posed by out-of-town vehicles should not be overlooked. These vehicles, often bypassing local checks, represent a significant threat not only to passengers but also to legitimate local drivers who are required to adhere to stricter safety regulations. The need for a unified, nationwide approach to taxi licensing has never been more apparent.

As the government begins consultations on potential reforms to streamline licensing to fewer authorities, it’s essential that the focus remains on improving consistency, transparency, and accountability. Any reforms should prioritize passenger safety and local operator fairness, ensuring that the broader public trust in private hire services is maintained.

Sources:

• Private hire drivers reported for alleged sexual assaults

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.