Taxi crackdown in St Helens as drivers licensed inside and outside of area face checks in town centre sweep
- Perry Richardson
- 17 minutes ago
- 2 min read
St Helens Borough Council’s Licensing Team has carried out a stop and check operation in St Helens town centre, working alongside the local policing team to assess taxi and private hire compliance and reinforce passenger safety standards.
The operation focused on inspecting vehicle condition, verifying driver and vehicle licences and identifying non-compliance across the trade. Checks were applied regardless of whether drivers were licensed by St Helens Borough Council or by other licensing authorities, reflecting the council’s stated intention to uphold what it describes as a high local bar for safety and suitability.
Council officers said the primary aim was to protect residents and visitors using taxis in the borough, while taking clear action where vehicles or drivers failed to meet required standards. The checks also allowed officers to gather intelligence on cross-border working, an ongoing concern for many licensing authorities.
While St Helens does not have direct enforcement powers over drivers and vehicles licensed elsewhere, the council confirmed that any non-compliant out-of-area vehicles identified during the operation will be formally reported to their host licensing authority, with a response expected. This approach is intended to strengthen accountability across council boundaries.
Joint council and police action targets vehicle standards and driver licensing as part of wider night-time economy safety push
The enforcement activity forms part of the council’s wider Safe Nights, Great Places campaign, launched over the summer, which brings together licensed premises, the council in its role as licensing authority and the police to support a safe and well-managed night-time economy across the borough.
As part of an expanded winter plan, licensed venues in St Helens will continue to operate enhanced safety measures. These include trained venue staff, the use of taxi marshals, CCTV systems in taxis and designated assistance points for vulnerable people in the town centre during busy periods.
The council said the safety of women and girls remains a central focus of its night-time strategy. Ongoing measures include improvements to street lighting, the promotion of safe-home taxi initiatives and the availability of support services across the town centre to help those who feel at risk when travelling at night.
Councillor Trisha Long, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “Everyone should be able to enjoy a night out knowing they can get home safely. By working closely with Merseyside Police and our licensed trade, we are taking a proactive approach to taxi safety - ensuring high standards are met and taking action where they are not.
"These checks, alongside our Safe Nights, Great Places campaign, send a clear message that the safety of our residents and visitors - particularly women and girls - remains a top priority. We will continue to do everything we can to support a vibrant, welcoming and secure nighttime economy across St Helens Borough.
"I also want to recognise the professionalism and support shown by our locally licensed taxi trade, who consistently work with us to maintain high standards and help people get where they're going safely."
