‘COVERT’ test purchase exercise catches Liverpool PHVs plying-for-hire and taxis not engaging meter

A covert enforcement operation in Liverpool uncovered taxi drivers NOT engaging their meters or refusing to drive, and private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers illegally plying-for-hire.

Liverpool City Council (LCC) licensing officials took part in the undercover operation, making test purchases to see how the drivers would react.

According to sources, ‘a number’ of drivers fell foul of the tests and have been reported.

A licensing spokesperson said: “Liverpool Licencing Officers conducted a covert licensed vehicle test purchasing exercise on Saturday night/Sunday morning.

“A number of drivers are to be reported for various offences including Taxi drivers failing to engage their meter/refusing to drive and PHV's plying for hire.”