Taxi Cop detects suspended Wolverhampton private hire driver using new smart badge tech
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 18
- 1 min read
A private hire driver licensed in Wolverhampton was found operating with a suspended licence during spot checks carried out by Avon and Somerset Police.
PC Patrick Quinton, known as the force’s dedicated ‘Taxi Cop’, was conducting routine checks across the region when he stopped around 15 vehicles. During the operation, four Non Compliance Notices were issued for badge and light faults.
One of the more serious findings involved a Wolverhampton-licensed PHV driver. The individual presented a new-style smart badge, designed to offer real-time licence verification. PC Quinton scanned the badge and cross-checked it with the Wolverhampton City Council’s licensing database. It revealed that the driver’s licence had been suspended.
PC Quinton highlighted the usefulness of the digital verification system, stating that the ability to perform live checks on licence status significantly improves enforcement capability.
The incident adds to ongoing discussions about cross-border licensing and the effectiveness of digital tools in regulating private hire vehicles.
PC Quinton said: “Yesterday I was out and about across our area doing my checks.
“I stopped and checked about a 15 vehicles and issued 4 Non Compliance Notices for badge and light issues.
“Of particular interest was a stop of a Wolverhampton PHV. The driver produced his new style "smart" badge which I scanned and checked with the Council database to find the licence had been suspended.
“The ability to do a live check on licence status is a great facility.”
