Cheshire Police conduct covert late-night taxi enforcement operation as part of wider crackdown
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Police and council officers carried out targeted taxi and private hire vehicle checks during a coordinated Night Time Economy Night of Action in Nantwich, aimed at ensuring vehicles operating late at night were properly licensed, insured and safe for passengers.
Cheshire Police confirmed that officers worked alongside Cheshire East Council on a covert taxi licensing operation, focusing on vehicles picking up and dropping off passengers during peak night-time hours. The checks were designed to identify unlicensed drivers, unsafe vehicles and any breaches of local licensing conditions.
While police did not release a breakdown of offences specific to the taxi operation, the exercise formed part of a broader enforcement effort that saw multiple compliance failures detected across the town.
Officers said the taxi checks were intended to protect passengers and maintain confidence in licensed night-time transport, particularly as demand increases during weekends and the festive period.
Covert checks on taxis and private hire vehicles formed a central part of a wider night-time enforcement exercise in Nantwich town centre.
The taxi operation ran in parallel with wider patrols involving police community support officers and Cheshire East civil enforcement teams. These patrols resulted in more than 30 tickets being issued for parking and other civil offences at locations including Welsh Row, St Anne’s Lane and Jackson Avenue. One case involved a driver found using the blue badge of a person who is now deceased.
The Night of Action also included drink and drug driving checkpoints, leading to the arrest of a man found to be more than three times the legal alcohol limit. Several other motorists were reported for a range of driving offences during the operation.
In addition, a drugs detection dog was deployed in the town centre, resulting in more than 20 positive indications. A number of individuals are expected to be summonsed to court for possession offences, with support provided on the night by staff from Change Grow Live Cheshire East.
Licensing checks were also carried out at every pub in the town, with officers engaging with licensees and staff to ensure compliance and promote a safe operating environment.
Police said the operation involved more than 20 officers, supported by Cheshire’s Special Constabulary and the Rural Crime Team. The force said the action was focused on preventing harm, tackling antisocial behaviour and keeping Nantwich safe for residents, visitors and those working late into the night.
