Councillors Issue Urgent Warning Over "Out-of-Town" Taxis

"If it’s not Portsmouth, don’t get in it."

Portsmouth’s local leaders are sounding the alarm about a surge of private hire cars coming from Wolverhampton, calling the situation "out of control" and urging residents to only use locally licensed vehicles for their safety.

Why Are Wolverhampton Cars a Problem?

The core issue is a difference in licensing rules between cities.

• Cheaper & Faster: Getting a private hire licence in Wolverhampton is less expensive and quicker than in Portsmouth.
• Missing Safety Feature: Wolverhampton’s rules do not require cars to have interior CCTV cameras, which Portsmouth uses as a key safety measure.
• Different Standards: Local councillors argue this creates a "real safeguarding issue," pointing to a recent report where a Wolverhampton-licensed driver allegedly made sexual advances toward a passenger.

Safety Isn’t the Only Concern

Beyond the serious safety risks, Portsmouth officials are highlighting other major problems with these cross-border drivers.

Poor Service & Local Knowledge

Viv Young, representing the local taxi trade, criticised the service quality. He shared that a Wolverhampton driver was "totally clueless as to where they’re going" and described their "driving standards as abysmal." There are also calls to bring back strict topographical tests to ensure drivers know the area.

Taking Jobs from Locals

Cllr Abdul Kadir stated these drivers are "taking jobs from our taxi drivers." The council admits it has no legal power to regulate or charge drivers who are licensed by another authority like Wolverhampton.

A "National Problem" Needs a National Solution

Nickii Humphreys, Portsmouth’s licensing manager, called the influx a "national problem" driven by new technology and changing travel patterns.

While the UK government is consulting on a new, consistent national licensing framework, Portsmouth councillors demand more urgent action. They see protecting residents with high safety standards as a "moral imperative" and are pushing for greater public awareness first.

The Bottom Line for You:
If you need a taxi or ride-hailing car in Portsmouth, check the licence plate. Councillors are clear: for your safety, stick to vehicles licensed by Portsmouth City Council.

Image Credit: www.phtm.co.uk