South Wales Police (Swansea section) carried out a Multi-Agency Taxi Licensing Operation in Swansea City Centre, with Cyngor Abertawe - Swansea Council Taxi Licensing and VOSA. This operation was carried out at night and focused on taxi safety, as part of #Opwinter.
A total of 22 Swansea licensed hackney carriage and private hire vehicles and drivers were stopped and checked to make sure they were properly licensed and the vehicles were roadworthy and safe to be on the road. Out of the 22 vehicles, 6 were taken off the road for being unsafe and not suitable to carry members of the public as passengers. This meant they were unable to operate until the faults were put right and the vehicles re-inspected.
The operation was carried out to ensure that hackney carriage and private hire vehicles are maintaining their vehicles and are meeting the standards required by law, particularly as the safety of passengers is a top priority.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police, said: 'The public can be assured that all partners involved will continue to work together to make sure that drivers and vehicles licensed in Swansea meet the required standards.'
Mark Wade, Head of Housing and Public Protection, who is responsible for taxi licensing in Swansea said: “Our Taxi Licensing Officers will continue to check the safety and suitability of both taxi drivers and their vehicles, as part of an ongoing inspection programme, to give customers confidence in the services they use.
“We would like to thank those drivers and vehicle owners who were involved in the recent operation, for their co-operation and we would also like to remind members of the public that we will continue to take action against those who are not meeting the standards expected of them.
“If you are using taxi and private hire services please remember to always check that the vehicle you are getting into is licensed and if you are any doubt do not get in."
Image credit: South Wales Police
