Wolverhampton, UK – Private hire drivers are voicing growing frustration over significant delays in the processing of their badges and vehicle plates by Wolverhampton City Council. Many drivers report waiting up to 20 weeks for new or renewed licences, a stark contrast to the council’s previous reputation for rapid processing.
Wolverhampton has long been a popular choice for private hire licensing, with drivers from across the country opting to register their vehicles and obtain their badges through the council due to its historically efficient turnaround times. However, a surge in demand appears to have overwhelmed the system, leaving many drivers unable to work while they wait for the necessary documentation.
“I applied for my badge renewal months ago and I’m still waiting,” said one frustrated driver. “Back in the day, Wolverhampton was the fastest in the country, but now it feels like they just can’t cope with the numbers.”
Several drivers have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, highlighting the financial strain caused by the long delays. Many rely on their badges to continue working, and without them, they are left without income for weeks or even months.
The situation has raised concerns about the sustainability of Wolverhampton’s licensing system. Some industry experts suggest that unless additional resources are allocated to handle the growing number of applications, delays could continue to worsen, further impacting drivers and the private hire sector.
For now, many drivers are left in limbo, hoping that the council will take urgent action to speed up the process and restore its once highly regarded efficiency.
