Derby Police and Council licensing checks uncover taxi and private hire vehicle faults and probe into testing garage
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 1
- 2 min read

A recent operation by Derbyshire Roads Policing Unit and Derby City Council has revealed issues with several taxis and private hire vehicles operating in the area.
Officers carried out licensing checks on numerous vehicles. While most were found to be in good condition, a number of taxis had faults serious enough to warrant immediate action. In these cases, badges were removed at the roadside, effectively suspending the vehicles from service.
Some drivers were ordered to have their vehicles retested within 24 hours to ensure any defects were addressed promptly. The checks also uncovered concerns about a garage responsible for taxi and PHV testing. According to officers, the garage had allowed vehicles to keep their badges and remain in service despite faults that should have led to immediate suspension.
Derby City Council is now investigating the garage alongside Derbyshire Police. Officers said licensing checks would continue, with a focus on protecting public safety and ensuring that only roadworthy vehicles operate as licensed taxis.
The partnership between the council and police comes amid ongoing efforts to improve standards across the city’s taxi fleet. Authorities are reminding drivers of their responsibility to keep vehicles properly maintained and compliant with licensing conditions at all times.
Investigations into the garage and the drivers affected remain underway.
A Derbyshire RPU Bikes spokesperson said: “Taxi licensing Op with Derby City Council.
“Majority of taxis' found to be in good condition, however numerous badges have been removed immediately due to unacceptable faults found roadside.
“Some sent for a retest within 24hrs. Identified a garage completing taxi tests and allowing the badge to remain on the vehicles when immediate suspension should have occurred.
“Investigations continuing with Derby City Council. Our licensing checks will continue with the Council.”