Flintshire taxi drivers show good compliance in first joint enforcement operation with police and DVSA
- Perry Richardson
- 40 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Taxi and private hire drivers in Flintshire have demonstrated high levels of compliance with licensing laws after a joint roadside enforcement operation involving Flintshire County Council, North Wales Police and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The operation, known as ‘Operation Cargo’, marked the first time the three organisations had worked together on a single taxi and private hire vehicle enforcement exercise in the county. Officers carried out roadside inspections before directing selected vehicles to an agreed location for more detailed examinations by DVSA inspectors.
A total of 21 licensed vehicles were stopped and inspected during the county-wide operation. According to the council, officers found a broad level of compliance with licensing conditions and legal requirements, with only minor defects and advisory issues identified.
DVSA officers provided advice to drivers whose tyres were approaching the legal tread limit, while Flintshire licensing officers highlighted smaller licensing issues including missing first aid kits and the absence of required no-smoking signage inside vehicles.
The enforcement exercise was designed to ensure that licensed drivers and vehicles continued to meet both local licensing conditions and wider road safety legislation. The council said these checks help maintain public confidence in the safety and standards of the licensed taxi and private hire fleet operating across Flintshire.
The operation was carried out as part of National Licensing Week, an annual campaign that highlights the work undertaken by licensing authorities, police forces and partner agencies to protect the public and uphold standards across licensed trades.
Ted Palmer, Cabinet Member for Highways, Assets and Public Protection at Flintshire County Council, said: “These checks help ensure that residents can travel with confidence, knowing that licensed taxis and private hire vehicles in Flintshire continue to meet the standards expected of them.
“I am pleased this operation found high levels of compliance and thank the drivers involved for their cooperation.”
Sergeant Emma Birrell of the North Wales Police Roads Crime Unit said: “Taxi drivers must follow specific legislation to ensure that both their vehicles and drivers are road-worthy and sadly, we are seeing some fall short.
“Any offence is enforced accordingly, and we will be continuing checks throughout the year in partnership with Flintshire council.
“It is very important that anyone visiting town and city centres has assurance that their safety is of utmost concern when they use a taxi.
“This operation further highlights the emphasis that we place on community safety – we want people to come and enjoy and then get home safely afterwards.”
