Wolverhampton Council licensing officers joined forces with Greater Manchester Police during National Licensing Week to carry out compliance checks on private hire vehicles operating at Manchester Airport — and the results showed that the vast majority were up to scratch.
A total of 39 Wolverhampton-licensed private hire vehicles were inspected during the joint operation. Officers found one suspected “ghost” plate and a separate vehicle with a cracked headlight. All other vehicles checked were found to be fully compliant.
Ghost plates — also known as illegal infra-red reflective plates — are a serious concern in the PHV industry. They’re designed to avoid being read by ANPR cameras, speed cameras, and low emission zone enforcement equipment. Using one is an offence under the Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001, and carries real consequences for any driver caught.
The operation was part of a wider programme of enforcement activity during National Licensing Week 2026, which sees licensing authorities and police work together across the country to raise standards and protect the public.
Wolverhampton has long been one of the most active councils when it comes to cross-border enforcement — its licensed PHV fleet operates widely across England, including in large numbers across Greater Manchester. That level of reach makes operations like this particularly important for ensuring consistent standards wherever those drivers are working.
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