A major crackdown on rogue taxi control operators has been launched in Sandwell in a bid to boost safety for passengers. Private hire firm bosses found with operators without a licence will be hauled before licensing chiefs.

It could force their business to close down and incur severe penalties for offenders. Licensing bosses are concerned a number of bases are running without a licence in Sandwell. They say that puts passengers in danger, because it could mean other rules and regulations are ignored.

Cabinet member for community safety and partnerships Councillor Derek Rowley today warned operators across the borough to get a licence or get caught.

The Labour councillor said: “We have to be more rigid with our enforcement.

“We have to make sure that all operators have licences; that is very important and part of our drive for cleaner, safer communities.

“We are aware that some operators may be running without a licence, and we cannot allow that to happen.”

The council is now running a study on the number of licences it has under its remit, and routing out any illegal businesses.

All private hire bases have to have an operator in place.

Anyone caught without a licence will be brought before the Sandwell Council licensing committee to explain why. It could force businesses to close and take cars off the road.

Sandwell Council has also reviewed its fees and charges for taxis.

The fee for operators applying for a first licence has gone up from £443 to £600. The cost of renewing an operators licence has also gone up from £443 to £500.

Most other fees and charges for firms have remained the same in Sandwell as part of the revamp, agreed by Sandwell Council.

It includes medical fees, tests and deposits for badges. The fees are reviewed annually by the council.

By Chris Howes