Bristol taxi and PHV crackdown finds dangerous tyres as drivers suspended on the spot
- Perry Richardson
- 45 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Two licensed taxi and private hire vehicles were immediately suspended from service after officers discovered dangerously worn tyres during a roadside enforcement operation in Bristol.
The joint operation involved Avon and Somerset Police, Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Officers stopped and inspected dozens of licensed vehicles as part of ongoing compliance checks aimed at improving passenger safety and vehicle standards across the region.
PC Patrick Quinton, known within the industry as the Taxi Cop for Avon and Somerset Police, said 86 drivers were checked during the morning and early afternoon operation.
Quinton said: “It was good to see 86 of you this morning/early afternoon as I worked with officers from South Glos and Bristol Council, and the DVSA.
“Most were fine, but we did find two vehicles with badly worn tyres, including the one in the following photo. As well as 3 DVLA points, the vehicles were immediately suspended by their Licensing Officers, and a Prohibition from driving put on by the DVSA.”
Avon and Somerset Police, Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council and the DVSA carried out a joint enforcement operation targeting taxi and private hire vehicles in Bristol.
Tyre condition remains one of the most closely monitored vehicle safety areas during roadside inspections because of the direct impact on braking distances and vehicle control.
In addition to the two suspended vehicles, another 14 drivers were found to be non-compliant over licensing and vehicle presentation issues. These included problems relating to driver badges, vehicle plates and minor lighting defects.
Quinton added: “Another 14 were found to be non compliant in regards to badges, plates and minor lighting issues.
“3 members of the public were also given tickets for driving in the bus/taxi lane at Bath Rd.
“I know it’s frustrating when you are stopped and checked, but as you can see from the above, it’s necessary.”
Taxi and PHV enforcement operations involving councils, police and the DVSA are common across the UK as authorities respond to concerns around vehicle standards, illegal plying for hire, insurance compliance and passenger safety.
Bristol and neighbouring licensing authorities have regularly carried out multi-agency inspections targeting both locally licensed and out-of-area vehicles operating in the city.
Enforcement officers typically have powers to suspend licences immediately where vehicles are deemed unsafe or not roadworthy.
