Joint authority ‘Operation Parkin’ sees Wolverhampton licensed private hire vehicles suspended over safety faults in Preston
- Perry Richardson
- 11 minutes ago
- 1 min read
A multi-agency enforcement operation in Preston led to two City of Wolverhampton Council licensed private hire vehicles being suspended after safety defects were identified during Friday night checks.
The activity formed part of Operation Parkin, which brought together officers from South Ribble Borough Council, Sefton Council, Preston Council and Lancashire Police, alongside Wolverhampton’s compliance team.
According to a City of Wolverhampton Council Public Protection spokesperson, 34 Wolverhampton licensed private hire vehicles were examined during the operation.
Officers issued immediate suspensions to two cars, one due to an airbag fault and another for a tyre measuring below the 1.6 millimetre legal tread depth requirement. Both defects are regarded in enforcement circles as presenting safety risks that must be rectified before a vehicle can return to service.
Two Wolverhampton licensed cars taken off the road after joint enforcement checks in Lancashire
The checks reflect ongoing scrutiny of out-of-area licensing practices, with Wolverhampton’s large private hire fleet frequently operating across the North West. Cross-border working remains lawful under current national rules, although drivers are expected to comply fully with the safety standards set by their licensing authority wherever they work.
No further enforcement outcomes during the operation were disclosed by the participating authorities at this stage.
A City of Wolverhampton Council Public Protection spokesperson said: “On Friday night, Compliance joined colleagues from South Ribble Borough Council, Sefton Council, Preston Council and Lancashire Police in Operation Parkin in Preston.
“34 City of Wolverhampton Council PHVs checked. 2 were suspended, 1 due to airbag fault and 1 for tyre below 1.6mm tread depth.”
