Work is under way to tighten operations by taxi and private hire drivers licensed outside of South Kesteven.
Locally-licensed drivers have raised fears of unfair competition from vehicles licensed outside the district operating within South Kesteven.
This restricts SKDC’s ability to monitor and manage those who do not comply with legislation and good practice guidance.
They may even have had a licence refused or revoked by SKDC but can trade in the district due to a loophole in the regulations, which is where they can apply for a licence within another district but take pre-booked fares with south Kesteven district.
Council Leader Cllr Ashley Baxter is lobbying the Government about this issue, which allows drivers and vehicles to avoid SKDC standards.
Licensing staff have been on patrol at weekends, in the evenings and into the night to assist and advise on safety and regulations.
This includes moving visiting drivers on from taxi ranks, working to ensure private hire vehicles are not flagged down, and working with other enforcement authorities – including Lincolnshire County Council – to prevent illegal parking.
Cabinet Member for Licensing, Cllr Philip Knowles, said: “We are serious about closing this loophole and bringing a more level playing field for SKDC-licensed drivers and vehicles.
“We are operating intensive weekend and evening patrols in all four towns with enforcement action being taken on an escalating scale, starting with advice, then warning as we encourage compliance.
“For illegal parking, we liaise with the police, review CTTV footage and also share concerns with Lincolnshire County Council as the street parking authority.”
One of the concerns of SKDC-licensed drivers was of Peterborough, Rutland and Wolverhampton-registered vehicles – including Uber – remaining in Stamford for pick-ups.
“Legally, there are no restrictions in place about where journeys start and finish, even for drivers licensed elsewhere, which means they can end up here and wait for their next job,” said Cllr Knowles.
“We are taking the opportunity to question these drivers, advise them and take positive action where appropriate.
“Where there are concerns, information is collected during our patrols so that we can report any concerns or issues directly to their licensing authority.”
SKDC is to host a driver workshop this autumn, to encourage discussion of driver/operator concerns and for the council to provide them with further guidance and advice.