After the previous article on DM News – Wolverhampton Delays. Someone made Driver Matty aware on his TikTok of why the delays are happening and it’s because of the recent change in the Wolverhampton Taxi Licensing Policy.
Wolverhampton, UK – The City of Wolverhampton Council has recently implemented new licensing requirements for taxi drivers, mandating the submission of a ‘Certificate of Good Character’ or ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ for applicants who have resided outside the UK for three or more consecutive months since the age of 18. This policy change, aimed at enhancing public safety, has inadvertently led to substantial delays in both new and renewal badge applications.
According to the Council’s Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy, approved on January 15, 2025, applicants must provide these certificates to demonstrate their conduct during periods spent abroad. If the documents are not in English, a notarised translation is required at the applicant’s expense. In cases where obtaining such a certificate is not feasible, applicants must furnish references from individuals or organizations that can vouch for their conduct during their time overseas.
While the intention behind this policy is to ensure that only fit and proper individuals are granted taxi licenses, the practical implications have been challenging. Many countries have bureaucratic processes that make acquiring these certificates time-consuming and, in some instances, nearly impossible. Consequently, numerous drivers have experienced significant delays in obtaining or renewing their badges, leading to disruptions in their livelihoods and a potential shortage of available taxis in the region.
The Council acknowledges these challenges and is reportedly reviewing the policy’s implementation to strike a balance between public safety and the practicalities faced by drivers. In the interim, drivers and applicants are advised to initiate the process of obtaining these certificates well in advance of their application or renewal dates to mitigate potential delays.
This development has sparked discussions among local authorities, taxi associations, and drivers about the need for a more streamlined and supportive process that maintains public safety without unduly burdening those seeking to serve the community as taxi drivers.
