Bradford Council and police check operation sees two private hire licences SUSPENDED

Image credit: Bradford Council

Two private hire licences have been suspended following a joint enforcement operation in Bradford city centre targeting vehicle compliance, road safety and licensing offences.

Bradford Council’s Licensing Enforcement team joined officers from West Yorkshire Police and partners involved in Operation Steerside for a specials-led operation on Morley Street on Saturday 6 June. The initiative focused on ensuring vehicles operating in the city complied with licensing and road traffic regulations.

During the operation, council licensing officers checked 16 vehicles and served three non-compliance notices. Enforcement officers also suspended two private hire licences after identifying issues requiring immediate action.

The wider operation revealed a range of road safety concerns. West Yorkshire Police issued 33 Traffic Offence Reports covering offences including driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance, seatbelt violations, red-light offences and defective vehicle parts. Three vehicles were seized for having no insurance.

Police also recorded one offence of failing to stop, issued a Section 59 warning and submitted one report for summons relating to driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and a red-light offence.

The enforcement activity forms part of ongoing efforts by Bradford Council and its partners to improve standards across the licensed vehicle trade and tackle non-compliant drivers. For licensed taxi and private hire operators, the suspensions serve as a reminder that roadside compliance checks remain a key tool for regulators seeking to uphold passenger safety and maintain confidence in the sector.