One arrest, two no-shows and several issues found during North East taxi check operation
Police and licensing officers in Darlington and County Durham teamed up with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for a coordinated operation targeting taxi safety during the festive season.
The operation focused on high-traffic areas, including Darlington, Durham City, Consett, and Chester-le-Street, particularly those with vibrant nighttime economies. Officers stopped vehicles to ensure they met legal and safety standards essential for carrying passengers.
Suspect vehicles were directed to a specialist garage for thorough inspections conducted by the DVSA. These checks assessed roadworthiness and mechanical safety, while officers verified driver licences and operational compliance.
Of the 57 vehicles stopped, 50 were taken to the garage for inspection. Seven were found with safety issues, including faulty brakes, worn tyres, and other mechanical faults. Two drivers failed to attend the inspections, and one driver was arrested after testing positive for cannabis in a roadside drug test.
Authorities have reminded all taxi owners, operators, and drivers of their responsibility to maintain their vehicles to a safe and legal standard. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure passenger safety across the region.
Cllr Jim Garner, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “The majority of drivers and vehicles licensed with the council are safe and compliant thanks to our robust policy and proactive work with our trade, but where there is noncompliance, we will take swift action to protect the public.
“We want people to have confidence that our taxis are a safe way to get home after a night out, particularly among women. Drivers who may be tempted to operate illegally should be warned they face tough penalties.”
Cllr John Shuttleworth, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “As the results of this operation show, the vast majority of the thousands of taxi drivers working in County Durham comply with all licensing requirements, including keeping their vehicle roadworthy, and we applaud them for this.
“This operation was about looking for the small minority that breach licensing requirements or do not ensure their vehicle is fit for the roads and taking appropriate action. It was also about reminding those drivers that need reminding, of the requirement to comply with licensing law and to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy.
“We will continue to work with our partners to raise awareness of the need for people driving taxis this festive season, and all year round, to comply with all relevant rules; and to take action against the small number who don’t.”
