DEFECTS, NOTICES AND TORS: Over FIFTY taxi and private hire vehicle checks form part of joint cross border operation in Chester
- Perry Richardson
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Chester Local Policing Unit has joined forces with local authorities in a recent operation to check taxis and private hire vehicles (PHV) operating across the city.
The initiative, known as Operation Recordings, was led by the Chester Beat Management Team and the Special Constabulary. The focus was to ensure licensed vehicles were safe, correctly licensed and meeting all necessary standards.
Officers carried out the checks on Friday 11 July, working in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council’s taxi licensing team. Licensing teams from Flintshire and Wolverhampton also took part in the joint effort.
A total of 53 taxis were stopped and checked during the operation. Three vehicles were removed from service due to defects. Seven rectification notices were issued for minor faults. One Traffic Offence Report was handed out for tyres that failed to meet legal standards.
Police also gave advice to 12 drivers for failing to display required ‘no smoking’ signs inside their vehicles.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to monitor and enforce taxi standards in Chester and surrounding areas.
Inspector James Wilson said: “Countless people use taxis to get around Chester – from residents and those who work in the area, to visitors taking a trip to the city to enjoy all it has to offer.
“This is why we work alongside our partner agencies to make sure the vehicles and drivers transporting these individuals are correctly licenced and compliant.
“These operations send a clear message that taxi drivers must comply with regulations for a reason - to ensure the safety of all those using taxis in the Chester area.
“All taxis must be road worthy with no defects, the driver needs to have an ID badge, there must be a fire extinguisher and first aid kit, and vehicles must display no smoking signs.
“Over the course of the operation, positive feedback was received from a number of taxi drivers and members of the public and we’d like to thank everyone for their cooperation.”
