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Taxi licence suspended as police and council officers stop 13 cabs in major Heywood operation
A taxi licence was suspended after officers discovered an expired badge during a multi-agency enforcement operation in Heywood.
The Heywood Neighbourhood Policing Team said 13 taxis were stopped as part of Operation Paragon, which was conducted in response to concerns about anti-social driving and taxi compliance.
Multiple taxi drivers were also advised about failing to wear their identification. Police did not disclose how many drivers received the warning or whether any further licensing action would follow.
The operation involved the council’s taxi licensing team, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Greater Manchester Police’s traffic department and officers from the Tutor Unit at Rochdale Police Station.
More than 60 vehicles were checked at a static stop site. Officers examined suspected offences linked to speeding, drink and drug-driving, seatbelt use, mobile phone use and careless driving, as well as vehicle documentation and roadworthiness.
The wider operation resulted in five document checks, two roadside breath tests and one drug search. Traffic offence reports were issued for a headlight defect and for a vehicle being used without an MOT.
Four seatbelt offences and two mobile phone offences were recorded, while two vehicles were prosecuted for failing to stop for police. A window tint offence was rectified at the inspection site.
The DVLA stopped 12 vehicles for regulatory non-compliance, resulting in fines. Officers also completed nine misrepresentation forms and identified three so-called ghost plate offences.
PCSO Stewart, who planned the operation, said: “Poor standards of driving and lack of responsibility as drivers is leading to injuries and unnecessary accidents. We will not allow the law to be broken which endangers the safety of local residents in our community.”
