Avon and Somerset ‘Taxi Cop’ finds faults and disqualified driver in latest round of checks

Image credit: PC Patrick Quinton

Avon and Somerset Police’s dedicated ‘Taxi Cop’ has reported multiple vehicle and driver offences following a joint operation with the DVSA in Bristol.

PC Patrick Quinton said he spent three hours on Tuesday carrying out checks on Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles along Bath Road.

During the operation, 16 vehicles were stopped, nine drivers completed eyesight tests and two vehicles were issued with prohibition notices for tyre and warning light defects. Five drivers were asked to return later this week so that officers can confirm minor faults, such as badge display and light issues, have been resolved.

The final stop of the day involved a van using a bus lane. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt, had a defective brake light and displayed a number plate linked to another vehicle. Further checks revealed the driver had been disqualified from driving a few months earlier and was also uninsured. Police confirmed a number of charges are now being prepared.

PC Quinton regularly carries out spot checks on taxis and private hire vehicles across Avon and Somerset to ensure standards are maintained and vehicles are safe for public use.

PC Quinton said on Tuesday: “I spent 3 hours today checking vehicles at Bath Rd with the DVSA.

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“I stopped 16 HCs and PHVS. I did 9 eyesight tests, 2 vehicles had Prohibition Notices for tyres and warning lights and 5 drivers are coming to see me on Thursday so I can check various light and badge issues have been sorted out.

“Last job of the day was stopping this van being driven in the bus lane. Driver not wearing seatbelt, brake light out, and number plate altered to show a different vehicle. Things got worse as I found the driver was disqualified from driving a couple of months ago (and no insurance obviously!). That's going to be a long charge list I have to write!”