‘Taxi Cop’ enforcement night finds lighting, badge and signage issues in Avon and Somerset
- Perry Richardson
- 41 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A late-night compliance operation by Avon and Somerset Police identified several issues among taxi and private hire vehicles in the region.
PC Patrick Quinton, known locally as the force’s ‘Taxi Cop’, conducted checks on around 38 vehicles overnight. While the majority were found to be operating legally, several drivers were flagged for breaches.
Two vehicles had lighting faults, while two more had problems with the display of driver badges. Another two were found with signage not meeting regulation. One private hire vehicle was caught parked on a taxi rank while its driver went shopping, in breach of licensing rules. A separate incident saw a driver fail to stop at a red light in front of the officer.
PC Quinton also stopped a driver on the M32 for speeding and carried out alcohol and drug tests. No offences were recorded in that instance, and no vehicles were found with bald tyres or mechanical defects.
Although most vehicles were compliant, the officer’s findings highlight ongoing concerns around adherence to licensing rules, particularly with vehicle identification and proper use of public spaces like ranks.
PC Patrick Quinton, ‘Taxi Cop’ for Avon and Somerset Police, said on Sunday 18 May: “I'm pleased to say that last night saw much better compliance with the law and licence conditions. I stopped and checked about 38 vehicles through the night (including one from a Council I'd never heard of) and found 2 with lighting issues, 2 with badge issues, 2 with signage issues, a PHV parked on a rank whilst the driver went shopping and a driver who went through a red light right in front of me.
“I also tested a driver for alcohol and drugs as he was speeding on the M32. No bald tyres or plyers last night.
“For the majority of you who were all in order, thanks for your patience whilst I did my checks, and a big thumbs up to the drivers whose passengers were very complimentary about them.”
