Taxi clamped as police swoop on untaxed vehicles in Thames Valley operation
- Perry Richardson
- 2 minutes ago
- 1 min read
A licensed taxi was among at least 30 vehicles clamped during a joint enforcement operation in Wycombe West carried out by Thames Valley Police and the DVLA.
The operation, led by the Wycombe West Neighbourhood Team, focused on identifying untaxed vehicles across residential streets in the west of the town. Police confirmed that 30 vehicles were found without valid vehicle excise duty and were immobilised on the spot, with additional penalty notices issued for footpath obstruction.
Images released following the operation included a Mercedes-Vito taxi, clamped at the front wheel and displaying a DVLA enforcement notice on the windscreen. Authorities did not confirm whether the vehicle was actively working at the time.
Under current rules, all licensed taxis and private hire vehicles must be taxed at all times, regardless of whether they are temporarily off the road, unless a statutory off road notification has been made.
Licensed taxi pictured among vehicles immobilised during joint enforcement operation in Wycombe West
Although the police statement focused on untaxed vehicles, officers also issued tickets for obstructing pavements, an offence that can carry further implications for licensed drivers if reported to councils. Some local authorities consider repeat parking contraventions as part of driver fitness assessments.
Neither Thames Valley Police nor the DVLA indicated whether licensing authorities would be notified of the taxi identified during the operation. However, in many council areas, enforcement outcomes such as clamping or penalties can be shared as part of information-led compliance monitoring.
