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Huge Lancashire cross-border taxi safety operation checks more than 250 vehicles and finds 26 traffic offences
More than 250 licensed taxis and private hire vehicles were inspected during a large-scale multi-agency enforcement operation across Preston, Chorley and Blackpool.
Lancashire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit worked alongside licensing officers from nine local authorities during operations held on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October.
A total of 254 licensed vehicles were stopped and inspected, with officers identifying and dealing with 26 traffic offences. The issues included illegal tyres and defective vehicle lights.
The operation involved licensing teams from Preston, Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle, South Ribble, Chorley, Sefton, Blackpool, Wolverhampton and Knowsley councils. The geographical spread of authorities involved reflects the number of vehicles licensed outside Lancashire that can operate within the county.
High-visibility checkpoints were established at key locations across Preston and Chorley, while the wider operation covered Blackpool. Police and licensing officers checked vehicles for mechanical and safety defects, including tyres, brakes, lights and seatbelts.
The enforcement activity was also aimed at identifying unlicensed drivers and checking that legitimate taxi and private hire services were operating safely and in accordance with licensing requirements.
Two searches of passengers were also carried out under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. No further outcome from those searches was detailed in the information released.
The operation formed part of the continuing NightSafe campaign, which brings agencies together to improve safety within Lancashire’s night-time economy.
Cross-border taxi and private hire enforcement has become an increasingly important operational issue for councils because vehicles can be licensed by one authority while undertaking work across different council areas.
Joint operations allow licensing officers from the authorities responsible for those vehicles to participate directly in compliance checks.
Sergeant Ben Elliott from the Roads Policing Unit said: "These operations are all about protecting the public and ensuring people can travel safely when enjoying Lancashire's nightlife.
"The overwhelming majority of taxi drivers are professional, conscientious and committed to keeping their passengers safe.
“By carrying out targeted checks like these, we can identify those who are not meeting the required standards, deal with any offences and help maintain public confidence in the taxi trade.
"Working closely with our local authority partners allows us to take a robust approach to enforcement while supporting those drivers and operators who are doing the right thing."
