Festive taxi sting snags drivers with defects during night-time checks in Swansea
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
A joint licensing operation in Swansea on Friday resulted in several taxis being taken off the road after inspectors identified defects and compliance concerns during coordinated evening checks.
The activity formed part of Op Advent, the annual policing programme designed to support the city centre’s night-time economy through December.
The operation, known as Operation Beccles, brought together officers from the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Licensing Team and Swansea Council’s taxi licensing unit. It ran alongside Operation Chirk, a separate day of action focused on arresting outstanding suspects, as the force increased visibility at the start of the busy festive period.
Marked police vehicles circulated through the city centre, selected Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles to be directed to an inspection site. Licensing officers and police staff carried out mechanical assessments, examined documentation and cross-checked driver details against the Police National Computer and other law enforcement databases.
Seventeen vehicles inspected as police and council teams target safety and compliance in the city centre
Seventeen vehicles were assessed over the course of the evening. Three were issued with stop notices, meaning they are prohibited from operating until identified defects are corrected and verified by licensing officers. One further vehicle received a Section 60 notice, a delayed suspension that grants operators a limited period to resolve a specific issue before enforcement action is activated.
The checks reflect the heightened scrutiny applied during the December trading period, when demand for taxis increases sharply and regulators typically intensify proactive inspection work.
South Wales’s Sergeant James Ponting said: “It is very important that anyone visiting Swansea city centre has assurance that their safety is of utmost concern when they use a taxi.
“This is why taxi operators must follow specific legislation to ensure that both their vehicles and drivers are roadworthy.
“This operation further highlights the emphasis that we place on community safety – we want people to come and enjoy the city centre and then get home safely afterwards.”
Andrew Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, said: “At any time of year, but especially during the festive period when demand for taxi and private hire vehicles is high, we want people to feel safe using these services.
“That’s why we are proud to be part of this kind of work and the results of Operation Beccles demonstrate how necessary it is for us and the police to take steps to ensure vehicles and drivers are fit for purpose. Protecting vulnerable individuals and enabling safe travel to and from our city remains a top priority for Swansea Council.”
