Barnsley licensing officers target both local and out-of-town private hire drivers in night-time operation
- Perry Richardson
- 23 hours ago
- 1 min read
Barnsley Council licensing officers have conducted a night-time enforcement operation targeting both local and out-of-town taxi and private hire vehicles operating in the town centre.
The proactive operation took place on 12 July 2025 on Eldon Street, in collaboration with South Yorkshire Police. The focus was on compliance within the night-time economy, with particular attention on the growing presence of vehicles licensed by other authorities.
Councillor Steve Green was present during the operation and observed over 100 vehicles licensed outside of Barnsley pass through the town centre between 7.20pm and 9.20pm. Thirteen of those vehicles were stopped and drivers were spoken to on the night. All have since been contacted formally and advised in relation to potential offences under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847. These include the use of hackney carriage ranks by private hire vehicles and unlawfully plying for hire without a Barnsley licence.
The relevant licensing authorities for those vehicles have also been informed of the action taken.
Alongside the issue of cross-border working, four Barnsley-licensed vehicles and drivers were dealt with for various breaches. Offences included missing licence plates, excessive music volumes, and inappropriate parking in loading bays. Written warnings were issued in all cases.
The council stressed that non-compliance by any licensed driver or operator, regardless of the licensing authority, will not be tolerated. Officers will continue to carry out enforcement operations and uphold local licensing conditions.
