Blackburn taxi and private hire checks lead to two vehicle suspensions and multiple driver penalty points
- Perry Richardson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
A joint evening enforcement operation in Blackburn with Darwen has resulted in licensing action against 12 taxi and private hire drivers, including vehicle suspensions and penalty points for licence breaches.
The operation was carried out by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s licensing team alongside two special constables from Lancashire Constabulary, as part of routine checks to ensure licensed vehicles operating in the borough are complying with local and national regulations.
Inspections took place on the evening of Thursday 18 December, with vehicles assessed either while moving or after being stopped by officers. The checks focused on whether drivers and vehicles were meeting the conditions attached to their licences, which apply equally to hackney carriage and private hire operations.
In total, nine drivers were issued penalty points for licensing infringements. The breaches included failing to wear a driver identification badge while working, not displaying council-issued insurance signage and not securing licence plates correctly to the rear of vehicles.
Joint council and police operation results in enforcement action against 12 licensed drivers
Council officers said the drivers issued with penalty points will be given the opportunity to rectify the identified issues. However, they warned that failure to bring vehicles or documentation into compliance could result in further enforcement action.
Two vehicle licences were suspended with immediate effect after officers found that licence plates were not being displayed appropriately. One of those drivers was also reported for a traffic offence after their licence plate was attached with cable ties around the vehicle’s number plate, partially obscuring it.
Both suspended vehicles are now prohibited from operating as licensed vehicles until they have been re-inspected and approved by the council’s licensing team. The council said the action was necessary to protect passenger safety and maintain confidence in the licensed trade.
Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment and Resident Services, said: “This operation is part of the council’s commitment to ensure that licensed drivers and vehicles are compliant with all regulations and conditions. It offers a clear message to our drivers that public safety is at the forefront of our agenda.
“It’s important that these checks are done at all times of day, including late in the evening; and I thank the staff for their dedication to their role, in being willing to work outdoors on a cold winter’s night.”
