Private hire vehicle ‘Taxi Cop’ checks reveal multiple compliance failures in Bristol
- Perry Richardson
- 22 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A series of recent enforcement checks by police in Bristol has revealed concerning levels of non-compliance among Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) drivers.
PC Patrick Quinton of Avon and Somerset Police, working alongside British Transport Police, carried out checks on taxis and PHVs at Parkway Station on Friday 17 May. The operation found multiple breaches by PHV drivers, including several failing to wear or display their badges. In some cases, drivers had no ID badges with them at all.
Officers also found a number of vehicles with defective number plate lights. One vehicle was suspended from operation due to a bald tyre, which will result in three penalty points being added to the driver’s licence.
PC Quinton, also know as the ‘Taxi Cop’ in the region, noted the poor levels of compliance observed during the week, extending beyond the station checks. On Baldwin Street, several vehicles were seen without licence plates and stopping unlawfully in cycle boxes, also known as advanced stop lines. These violations carry a penalty of three points and a £100 fine.
Four drivers were also observed making illegal turns. Enforcement action is being taken, with penalty notices due to be issued shortly.
The findings come amid ongoing concerns about PHV standards and road safety in the city.
PC Quinton said: “I was working with British Transport Police checking Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles at Parkway Station.
“I'm sorry to say there was very poor compliance by the Private Hires - a number of drivers not wearing/displaying their badges, not having any badges with them, lots of number plate lights not working, and one vehicle suspended for a bald tyre (with 3 DVLA points to follow).
“It's not been a great week for compliance - at Baldwin St yesterday I saw a number of vehicles not displaying plates, stopping in the cycles box (advanced stop line - 3 points £100 fine) and a 4 drivers making illegal turns - I will be writing the tickets for these shortly.”
