Police officers stop OVERCROWDED private hire vehicle with SIX PEOPLE squashed in the rear seats

Image credit: Lancashire Roads Police

Lancashire Police's Roads unit intercepted a vehicle on the M55 motorway after receiving a report that the vehicle was leaving Blackpool and carrying an excessive number of passengers.

The incident drew attention when it was discovered that the vehicle was transporting six individuals, including young children, in the rear and an additional child in the front seat.

A spokesperson for the Lancashire Roads Police took to social media to inform the public about the situation. They stated: "Following a report that this vehicle was leaving Blackpool and carrying too many people, it was stopped on M55."

The spokesperson continued: "We found 2 adults + 4 children (under 4 years old) in the rear, and a child (under 10 years old) in the front. The driver didn't see anything wrong with this, but we did. Driver reported."

The incident raised concerns about the safety and legality of carrying too many passengers in licensed PHVs, particularly when it involves young children.

Carrying more passengers than a vehicle is designed or legally permitted to accommodate can significantly increase the risk of injuries in the event of a collision.