Concern over 'unscrupulous' out-of-town taxi drivers in Leeds

Coun Billy Flynn, a member of Leeds City Council’s Licensing Committee, has drafted a report about concerns regarding “cross-border hiring” – drivers who are permitted to operate by one local authority but go to work in other areas.

The Conservative Adel and Wharfedale representative said: “I have been approached by representatives of the trade expressing serious concern about the potential danger to the travelling public of Leeds who can be at the mercy of unscrupulous, out of town taxi and private hire drivers working in the city.

“Despite several approaches to the council asking for tighter enforcement action, they feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed.

“Although our own licensing standards are very high, this does not apply elsewhere.”

A Leeds City Council spokesman said: “Working closely with partners, we remain committed and have a robust enforcement approach in place to tackling those taxi and private hire drivers from outside Leeds who are picking up illegally. This includes the council’s enforcement team working closely with two specialised police officers to tackle specifically this problem”.

Prosecutions have already been brought against out of town drivers for plying for hire and other offences since the a 12-month pilot started in October 2017, he said.