Taxi cop arrests unlicensed driver at Bristol Airport during overnight checks
- Perry Richardson
- 8 hours ago
- 1 min read
Avon and Somerset Police have reported a series of enforcement actions against unlicensed and uninsured drivers operating around Bristol Airport.
PC Patrick Quinton, known locally as the force’s dedicated ‘Taxi Cop’, confirmed that overnight checks had led to several interventions. He said his patrols were focused on identifying unlicensed vehicles that had been reported by the public and airport staff.
PC Quinton explained: “I’ve been working overnight at Bristol Airport. I’ve mainly been looking for unlicensed vehicles which have been reported to me. Frustratingly, I found one, but no passengers on board.”
Two drivers were discovered operating without the required taxi or private hire badges. One was arrested after removing his licence plates and attempting to claim that the passengers on board were family members, which police later confirmed was untrue.
During the same checks, officers also dealt with an uninsured car. The driver, who already has six points on their licence, is now expected to face court action.
The latest operation follows ongoing enforcement operations to ensure passenger safety and remove unlicensed vehicles at airports. Unregulated drivers place passengers at risk and undermine licensed operators who comply with the necessary standards.
Passengers should only use properly licensed taxis and private hire vehicles, and check for visible plates and driver badges before starting a journey.
