Expired taxi plate uncovered during targeted enforcement operation in Colchester
- Perry Richardson
- 9 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A joint operation in Colchester uncovered an expired taxi plate breaching taxi licensing regulations, according to Essex Police.
Named Operation Mercedes, the enforcement initiative was carried out by officers from Essex Police’s Colchester District, working alongside licensing staff from Colchester Borough Council.
The teams stopped a number of vehicles to assess whether they were operating within the legal framework required for taxi and private hire services in the area. One vehicle was found to be running with an expired taxi plate. Others were noted for lacking essential signage and identification, which is a requirement under local licensing rules.
The checks aimed to curb unlicensed taxi activity in the town, which has been a cause for concern among licensed drivers and local authorities. Police confirmed that the issues found will be followed up by Colchester Borough Council’s licensing team.
Officers had intended to expand the checks into another area of Colchester, but poor weather halted that part of the operation. Despite the disruption, police maintained high-visibility patrols into the evening. These were focused on locations previously flagged by reports of unlicensed taxis operating.
Essex Police reiterated their support for legal and licensed taxi services and said their efforts would continue to protect public safety and ensure fair compliance across the sector.
An Essex Police spokesperson said: “Yesterday officers from Essex Police Colchester District carried out Operation Mercedes in partnership with licensing officers from Colchester Borough Council.
“This joint operation focused on identifying and addressing unlicensed taxi activity in the Colchester area. Several vehicles were stopped and checked to ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
“One vehicle was found to be operating with an expired taxi plate, while others were missing required signage and identification. These matters will be followed up by our colleagues at the council.
“Due to adverse weather conditions, we were unable to complete checks in another planned area. However, officers continued with high-visibility patrols into the evening in locations where unlicensed taxis have previously been reported.
“We remain committed to ensuring public safety and supporting lawful, licensed taxi services in our community.”
