Not sure why this has resurfaced - it's based on the same figures Zego compiled a few weeks ago, and subject of another article.
Therefore nothing particularly new, although without looking back at the details I think it explains the cross-border thing a bit better than the other article.
But, of course, strictly speaking it's just a confusing blizzard of figures because of the generic use of the t-word, from the headline onwards. Of course, the article does split the two codes in some regards, but it's then back to the generic t-word. Which readers on here should be able to work out, but not anyone without insider knowledge of the trades, which of course would mean the average reader of this article on the Mail's website.
But, to that extent, going through this with a fine tooth comb would be a total waste of time...
You're never far from a Wolverhampton taxi - and there is a cost differencehttps://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black- ... i-29105833The overwhelming majority of drivers registered with the city's council do not live thereWherever you go in the country, it seems you're never far from a Wolverhampton taxi. Because new data has confirmed the city as the country's taxi capital - with a licensing rate a staggering 500 per cent higher than the second-placed location.
The city, with a population of barely 260,000, had 85.3 licensed taxis and private hire vehicles per 1,000 people - a figure 580 per cent higher than next-placed Newcastle-upon-Tyne, according to a new study by private hire specialist Zego. Data indicated there were 0.6 licensed taxis per 1,000 people in Wolverhampton, with a huge 84.7 licensed private hire vehicles per 1,000 people.
The figures emerged after other statistics showed 95.5 per cent of drivers applying for a licence from Wolverhampton did not live there. Taxis with Wolverhampton plates have been spotted in Manchester, Bury and York, according to recent social media posts.
One X user also highlighted an "increasing numbers of cars in Blackburn", adding: "Anyone know what that’s all about? It’s not as though the two places are cheek by jowl, is it?" Wolverhampton Council previously denied it was 'quicker and easier' to get a private hire licence in the city.
But data last year showed nearly 9,000 drivers with licences from Wolverhampton lived in Greater Manchester. Last October, the Bury Times reported a significant price difference between authorities. Under Manchester City Council, it cost £255 at the time to register as a new private hire driver plus costs for tests and between £222 and £342 to register a vehicle, depending on its age.
Under Wolverhampton Council, the application fee for a new private hire driver was £49 for a one-year licence or £98 for a three-year licence and £95 to register a vehicle under ten-years-old.
A Zego spokesperson said: "The results reveal there is a much greater availability of private hire vehicles in the vast majority of cities in England and Wales, than equivalent taxis when accounting for each city’s population. The difference between private hire vehicles and taxis is often misunderstood however, with many people assuming the two terms are interchangeable.
"In reality, private hire vehicles are pre-booked through a licensed operator or ride-hailing app, such as Uber or Bolt, with fares agreed in advance. Taxis on the other hand typically use metered pricing set by the local council and can be flagged down by the customer."
Zego looked at data from the Department for Transport to work out the total number of licensed taxis and private hire vehicles per 1,000 people in each city across England and Wales. Results were ranked from highest to lowest to determine which city had the most and least licensed taxis and private hire vehicles per 1,000 people.
A Wolverhampton Council spokesperson previously said: "While Wolverhampton Council has never actively encouraged applications from drivers outside the city, existing legislation requires that if an application is submitted and requirements are met, then the application must be granted. The council may not refuse an applicant simply because they live in a different area and it is illegal for licensing authorities to impose a limit on the number of private hire licences it issues.
"Our early adoption of digital technology has allowed us to offer a simple and efficient online application procedure, with the requirement that drivers attend in person for training and strict assessment before an application can be processed. Public safety is of paramount importance to us.
"Partnership working with our licensing colleagues and other agencies shows our commitment to upholding our responsibilities; we expect drivers and vehicles licensed by us to always maintain the highest standards. This is irrespective of the administrative boundary within which they are operating at any particular time.
"Wolverhampton Council takes its enforcement responsibilities seriously and our officers are out across the country, every Friday and Saturday night, working to protect the public."
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