Licensing
Walsall Council tightens taxi licensing with wheelchair safety training
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Walsall Council is driving an initiative to make local journeys safer and more inclusive as part of National Licensing Week (8-12 June 2026), by delivering specialist wheelchair transport safety training to its community protection team.
A collaborative initiative between the council’s licensing and community protection teams, alongside the wider local taxi trade, is equipping officers with the knowledge needed to identify safe and unsafe practices when undertaking spot checks on licensed vehicles.
The training covered what officers should look for when inspecting vehicles including correct wheelchair securing techniques, the safe use of ramps and restraints, and appropriate support for passengers. This ensures that enforcement positively impacts transport for wheelchair passengers across the borough, by making travel more accessible, inclusive and safer.
National Licensing Week highlights the vital role licensing plays in protecting the public, supporting responsible businesses and maintaining high standards across a range of sectors, including taxis and private hire vehicles.
“ Everyone deserves to feel safe when travelling across our borough.
“National Licensing Week highlights the important work our community protection officers do year-round, and this training strengthens our ability to ensure taxi drivers are meeting the standards required to support wheelchair users across Walsall. “
The scheme forms part of the council’s wider commitment to accessibility and public safety, working closely with the taxi trade to ensure services meet the needs of all residents. It links into ongoing activity to ensure wheelchair users are being transported safely, particularly around locations like Walsall Manor Hospital, and for vulnerable children making their way to and from school each day.
The training covered guidance and advice for a range of different sized and shaped private hire vehicles, including hackney carriages and minibuses. It also included the safe and appropriate use of tail lifts.
Walsall Council will continue to work with drivers and partners to promote accessibility, raise standards and create a more inclusive transport network for all.
For passenger information about taxi and private hire vehicle travel in Walsall, visit the passenger information webpages.
Walsall Council is currently consulting on Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicle licensing fees. The taxi trade, stakeholders and members of the public are invited to provide their views, feedback, and any comments relating to the taxi vehicle fee proposals. Visit the council's website to leave your feedback.
To find out more about National Licensing Week, visit the organisation's website.
