Southampton taxi and PHV inspections see MAJORITY FAIL mechanical checks during joint enforcement operation
- Perry Richardson
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
More than half of the taxis and private hire vehicles inspected during a joint enforcement operation in Southampton failed mechanical compliance checks, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Roads Policing.
Roads Policing Officers from Totton Police Station carried out the operation alongside Southampton City Council licensing officers on Monday 2 March, stopping taxis and private hire vehicles operating in the city regardless of where they were licensed.
A total of 24 vehicles were stopped and directed to undergo full mechanical compliance inspections. Ten vehicles passed the inspection process, while 14 vehicles were found to have defects and were instructed to rectify the issues before they are permitted to return to service.
Southampton City Council leader Councillor Alex Winning said licensing officers worked in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to assess taxis and private hire vehicles operating on Southampton streets.
Police and council licensing officers stopped 24 taxis and private hire vehicles, with more than half failing compliance inspections.
Winning said: “Earlier last week, Southampton City Council’s Licensing staff in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary assessed taxis and private hire vehicles on Southampton streets, regardless of where they were licensed.”
All 24 drivers involved in the operation also underwent drug testing in line with the council’s Taxi Drug Testing Policy. Authorities confirmed that every driver tested during the enforcement activity passed the screening process.
Officials said the number of vehicles failing inspections has fallen compared with previous operations, suggesting the ongoing checks are encouraging better vehicle standards among drivers working in the area.
Southampton licensing officers and the Roads Policing Unit confirmed that similar enforcement exercises will continue, with the focus remaining on vehicle safety, compliance and protecting passengers using licensed transport services across the city.
Winning added: “Southampton Licensing Officers and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Roads Policing Unit will continue to carry out these operations, focusing on keeping the roads a safer place for all."
T
