Four private hire vehicles suspended after serious defects and ‘offensive weapon’ found at Liverpool festival
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Four private hire vehicles were suspended after Liverpool City Council licensing officers discovered a series of serious issues during an enforcement operation at the No Art Festival.
Officers attended the event in Otterspool, Liverpool, on Saturday 8 August 2026 to inspect licensed vehicles operating around the festival.
Five illegal tyres were identified across the four suspended private hire vehicles. Several defect notices were also issued, although the council did not specify the number or nature of the additional vehicle faults.
Five drivers were found without their required licensing badges. Licensed taxi and private hire drivers are normally required to display or carry the identification issued by their licensing authority while working.
Officers also discovered one offensive weapon during the operation. Liverpool City Council did not provide further information about the item, where it was found or whether anybody was arrested or reported in connection with the discovery.
An out-of-area taxi was also caught allegedly plying for hire. Only licensed hackney carriages can accept immediate street hires, and those powers are generally restricted to the area in which the vehicle is licensed.
Out-of-area private hire vehicles can legally complete pre-booked journeys in Liverpool, but they cannot lawfully pick up passengers without a booking. The distinction remains a major enforcement issue in areas attracting large numbers of licensed vehicles during festivals, concerts and other high-demand events.
The council said appropriate enforcement action was being taken following the operation. It did not disclose whether the suspended vehicles were prohibited from working immediately or which licensing authorities had issued the licences involved.
Liverpool City Council said: “Officers will continue to carry out proactive operations to ensure licensed drivers and vehicles comply with licensing requirements.”
