Spot checks in Walsall reveal multiple taxi and PHV licensing improvements needed
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 17
- 1 min read
Licensing officers from Walsall Council and West Midlands Police carried out a series of spot checks on licensed taxis and private hire vehicles during a recent public event held at Walsall Arboretum.
The operation took place on Saturday 2 August and saw 11 vehicles stopped to ensure drivers and vehicles met local licensing standards.
Six drivers were advised after failing to wear their required driver badges, which confirm that a driver is licensed by Walsall Council. Two additional drivers were directed to attend the depot for replacement side identification signage, with existing stickers found to be either damaged or peeling.
The council’s private hire side IDs are specific to Walsall and help clearly differentiate private hire vehicles from licensed hackney carriages operating in the borough.
One driver was stopped and dealt with by West Midlands Police for child car seat and seatbelt-related offences.
A number of other vehicles required further checks due to possible issues with required equipment including fire extinguishers and first aid kits, as well as matters relating to overall cleanliness and external appearance.
Walsall Council confirmed that further enforcement operations will take place over the coming months to ensure the local taxi and PHV fleet continues to meet its licensing obligations.
Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities, said: “These checks are about keeping passengers safe and ensuring our licensed trade maintains the high standards expected in Walsall.
“Many drivers do the right thing, but where improvements are needed, we will take action. I’d like to thank our community protection team and the police for their work over a busy weekend of events.”
