A Wolverhampton-licensed private hire driver has had his vehicle licence suspended after being caught operating in Liverpool city centre with a dangerously worn tyre, according to Liverpool City Council Licensing Enforcement.
The enforcement officers stopped the vehicle during a routine inspection on Friday evening and were shocked to discover an illegal tyre that was severely worn down beyond the legal tread depth. The shocking state of the tyre was shared publicly by LCC Licensing on social media, showing minimal tread and visible balding that posed a serious risk to passengers and other road users.
Cross-Border Crackdown Continues
The driver, licensed by Wolverhampton but operating in Liverpool, was immediately taken off the road, and the vehicle’s private hire licence was suspended on the spot. The council has confirmed that the driver will also be formally reported for the offence.
“There’s absolutely no excuse for driving with tyres in this condition,” the council posted online. “No excuse!”
This incident underscores the growing tension between local councils and out-of-town licensed drivers operating cross-border, a practice that has been widely criticised for allowing drivers to sidestep local safety and licensing standards.
Legal Tyre Requirements in the UK
UK law requires vehicle tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Tyres in worse condition can cause blowouts, increased stopping distances, and reduced grip – particularly dangerous for high-mileage private hire vehicles transporting members of the public.
Drivers caught with illegal tyres can face points on their licence, fines, and in cases like this, immediate suspension of their ability to operate.
Message to All Drivers
Liverpool City Council is reminding all private hire and taxi drivers—regardless of where they are licensed—that maintaining vehicle safety standards is not optional.
This case sends a strong message: enforcement teams are active, and public safety remains a top priority.
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