Booked through an app, carrying a passenger, but licence already revoked: Police uncover major private hire compliance issue
- Perry Richardson
- 37 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A private hire vehicle operating with a passenger on board in Bristol has been taken off the road after police checks revealed its vehicle licence had already been revoked, according to Avon and Somerset Police Taxi Cop PC Patrick Quinton.
The incident came to light following an enforcement check carried out as PC Quinton returned to Bristol from conducting licensing checks at Bristol Airport. The officer reported spotting a vehicle being used for a pre-booked journey despite no private hire plates being displayed.
Sharing details of the incident with drivers, PC Quinton said the vehicle was carrying a passenger who had booked the journey through an app-based platform.
According to the officer, the driver initially claimed to have an exemption from displaying private hire plates. However, the driver was unable to produce either the plates themselves or any exemption documentation when challenged.
Avon and Somerset Police taxi officer says vehicle carrying booked passenger had no plates displayed before checks revealed licence had already been revoked
PC Quinton said: “I noticed this vehicle with no PH plates displayed. There was a passenger on board, having booked the vehicle on an App. The driver told me he had an exemption from displaying plates but didn’t have the plates or exemption letter with him.”
The officer immediately suspended the vehicle licence at the roadside while further checks were carried out. However, the situation escalated after records were reviewed back at Bridewell Police Station.
PC Quinton added: “I suspended the vehicle licence immediately, but when I got back to Bridewell I found that the Private Hire Vehicle licence had been revoked in May.”
The discovery means the vehicle was allegedly operating despite no longer holding a valid private hire vehicle licence. Licensing requirements across England require private hire vehicles to be appropriately licensed and insured, with operators, vehicles and drivers all needing the relevant authorisations to undertake booked work legally.
The case is now being progressed with the relevant licensing authority. PC Quinton confirmed that enforcement action is continuing, stating: “I’m working with the Licensing Authority now to deal with the issues.”
