It has been reported that twelve councils look to create a taxi licensing agreement in bid to clamp down on out of area drivers.

The Sunderland Echo reported that Regional taxi and private hire drivers across the North East may face more compliance checks coming in and out of their authorities. These new plans aim to keep passengers safer when drivers work outside of their licensing authorities.

The proposals are due to be discussed at a meeting on 18 June.

Councillor Amy Wilson, Sunderland City Council's cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "As the report to cabinet sets out, there have been recent and national concerns relating to the safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children.

"These are draft statutory guidance and haven’t yet been adopted by government but there is a will to adopt these as local policies

"This council, as are others up and down the country, is reviewing its taxi licensing functions to further reflect these guidelines and new powers.

“Our review is considering mandatory safeguarding training for drivers and further checks for if a driver is a 'fit and proper person'.

"This North East Memorandum of Understanding is very much a first stage of this licensing review process.

“It is all about ensuring more effective regulation of the taxi trade and protecting the public."