Private hire driver suspended following joint cross-border licensing checks in Leamington Spa
- Perry Richardson
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 21
A private hire driver was suspended after a joint taxi enforcement operation in Leamington Spa uncovered vehicle compliance issues.
Licensing officers from Warwick District Council and Wolverhampton City Council carried out the late-night checks on Saturday 4 October, targeting out-of-district vehicles working in the town centre between 9pm and 3am.
The suspended driver was found to have failed to display their taxi plate and had tinted windows that did not meet the required standards. Two other vehicles were identified with tyres close to the legal limit, though both drivers have since provided evidence showing that replacements were fitted following the inspection.
In total, 27 private hire vehicles were checked during the operation, which coincided with the return of Warwick University students and an expected rise in demand for taxis.
The joint operation formed part of continuing work to ensure that all taxis operating within Warwick District meet safety and licensing standards, regardless of the council area in which they are registered.
A Warwick District Council spokesperson said the results demonstrated the value of local authorities working together to tackle cross-border operations and maintain consistent standards across the region.
Further joint inspections are planned in the coming months to ensure both driver conduct and vehicle safety remain a priority for those operating in and around Leamington Spa.
Councillor Jim Sinnott, Portfolio Holder for Safer, Healthier and Active Communities, said: “Taxis are a vital service and are a huge support to the night-time economy, it’s not illegal for taxis, licensed by other authorities to operate across our district, but we must ensure as far as possible that these vehicles meet the high standards required by our Council, and we have a regular and robust system of checks in place.
“I would like to express my thanks to the Council’s Licensing team and to the officers from Wolverhampton’s Compliance Department who took part in this exercise…a late night for all.”
Costas Cosmas, Licensing Officer from Wolverhampton City Council, said: “Wolverhampton Council’s Taxi team regularly works with other councils to ensure that licensed drivers are adhering to their licensing conditions. This joint operation with Warwick District Council is an example of excellent partnership work.”
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