‘Taxi Cop’ safety checks see immediate vehicle suspensions in joint operation across South West
- Perry Richardson
- May 4
- 2 min read
Updated: May 5
Taxi and private hire drivers across parts of South West England faced immediate enforcement action following a joint operation targeting vehicle and driver compliance.
Avon and Somerset Police’s PC Patrick Quinton, known as the ‘Taxi Cop’, worked alongside the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), officers from South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset Councils, and a representative from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.
Checks were carried out at several locations including Parkway Station, Temple Meads and Saltford. Officers conducted two visits to Parkway Station during the operation.
During the checks, one vehicle was suspended and immediately prohibited from use due to brake and tyre issues. Another vehicle was prohibited for being in a dangerous condition. Several common faults were identified across multiple vehicles, including missing wheel nuts and faulty number plate lights.
Some drivers returned later in the day to show that the lighting faults had been fixed.
Licensing officers from the councils involved will also be following up with drivers found without a second badge on display, which is a requirement for licensed taxi and private hire drivers.
PC Quinton said: ”I was working with the DVSA and officers from South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset Councils. We also had an officer from the Motor Insurers Bureau with us. We visited Parkway Station (twice), Saltford and Temple Meads.
“A bit of a mix - one vehicle was immediately suspended and Prohibited from driving for tyre/brake issues. Another was Prohibited for dangerous condition. The common theme seemed to be missing wheel nuts and number plate lights not working with a number of drivers coming to see me later on today to show the lights have been fixed.
“The Council will also be following up on a number of drivers who did not have their second badge with them.“
