Taxis (Hackney Carriages), and Private Hire Vehicles together with their drivers and Private Hire Operators are licensed by local authorities.

Licensing provides a visible assurance to the public that the vehicle has been checked for safety and that the driver has been checked medically, and is a fit and proper person to hold a licence. Drivers take a street knowledge test, a medical and have a criminal record check undertaken on them before their licence is issued.

The Licensing Service issues driver, vehicle and operator licences. Licences are issued in the interests of public safety, however we are also concerned with the provision of an excellent customer service to licence holders and service users.

For further information and to apply for a licence please use the following links:

County lines

To help safeguard vulnerable children and protect them from gangs, the Home Office, Institute of Licensing and CrimeStoppers are working to increase awareness among taxi and private hire vehicle drivers, and licensing staff, of the signs to spot a potential victim. 

The signs to spot are:

  • a child, normally 14 - 15 years old, but can be as young as 12 travelling a long train journey alone
  • they may be from another area, so may not be familiar with an area (may look lost) and may have an unfamiliar accent for the local area
  • they may be travelling during school hours or unusual hours (e.g. late in the evening)
  • an obvious relationship with controlling, older individuals
  • suspicion of self-harm, physical assault or unexplained injuries
  • excessive receipt of texts or phone calls.

Visit the GOV.UK website to view the posters that the Home Office have produced to help taxi and private hire vehicle drivers and booking staff recognise the signs to spot potential victims.

Visit the CrimeStoppers website to report your concerns if you spot a vulnerable young person.

Last updated : 21 March 2025

Please use our online form to report a complaint you may have.

Complete our online form to report a complaint about a Taxi driver/operator or vehicle

Last updated : 10 October 2024

Telford & Wrekin Council expect drivers licensed by us, and those licensed by other local authorities operating in Telford and Wrekin, to follow the law and maintain the highest standards. 
To ensure these standards are maintained, neighbouring authorities including Telford & Wrekin, Shropshire, City of Wolverhampton, and South Staffordshire Councils have all signed a partnership statement that aims to bring a consistent approach to taxi safety across neighbouring authorities.  

Download the full details of the partnership and its objectives. (.pdf Size: 581Kb)

Last updated : 2 July 2024