TAXI TOUTS: Unlicensed and uninsured drivers found working for hire and reward at Bristol Airport
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 25
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 28
A joint operation by Avon and Somerset Police, DVSA, and licensing officers from several local authorities has uncovered multiple vehicles operating illegally around Bristol and its airport.
PC Patrick Quinton, known as the ‘Taxi Cop’, confirmed that enforcement checks led to the suspension of three private hire licences due to serious brake and tyre defects. More significantly, four vehicles were found operating for hire and reward at the airport without the necessary licences or insurance.
One of the unlicensed drivers already had six points on their licence and will now appear in court facing charges of no insurance and driving with a defective tyre. A driving ban is likely.
In addition, the DVSA has started four prosecutions relating to minibus offences involving both operators and drivers. The action highlights ongoing problems with non-compliant vehicles providing passenger transport services without meeting safety and legal standards.
PC Patrick Quinton, ‘Taxi Cop’ for Avon and Somerset Police, said on Wednesday: “Today I’ve been working with the DVSA and Licensing Officers from South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Newport and Merthyr Tydfil Councils in Bristol and the Airport.
“We have stopped and checked many vehicles, with 3 PH licences suspended for brake and tyre issues. At the Airport, I found 4 vehicles working for Hire and Reward without licences and insurance. One of those unlicensed drivers will be going to Court for no insurance and a defective tyre – but he already has 6 points on his licence so faces disqualification.
“DVSA are commencing 4 prosecutions against Operators and drivers for a variety of minibus-related offences.”
