Disqualified private hire driver arrested for drink driving following crash with passengers on board
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 7
- 1 min read
A private hire driver has been arrested for drink driving after crashing his vehicle in Avon and Somerset, with further checks revealing he was already disqualified from driving by the DVLA.
The incident was confirmed by PC Patrick Quinton, known as the region’s ‘Taxi Cop’, who deals with taxi and private hire enforcement across Avon and Somerset. He said the driver was behind the wheel of a licensed PHV at the time of the crash and had passengers on board.
After being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, it emerged that the driver was already disqualified and should not have been on the road at all. His private hire licence will now face review as part of the ongoing investigation.
The case highlights a serious failure in compliance and raises questions about how disqualified individuals are still able to access and operate licensed vehicles. Licensing authorities are expected to carry out urgent checks and take steps to prevent similar cases.
PC Quinton described the case as one of the most serious incidents he has dealt with this week and confirmed that enforcement action is being taken.
This arrest forms part of wider enforcement activity in the region. PC Quinton has been working with the DVSA and local council licensing teams to inspect vehicles, assist drivers with concerns and respond to reports of unlawful behaviour.
