Unlicensed private hire vehicle handed court summons after officers swoop during Liverpool enforcement operation

A vehicle operating as a private hire vehicle in Liverpool was stopped by Merseyside Police, with checks revealing neither the driver nor the vehicle held the appropriate licences.

Liverpool City Council’s Licensing team confirmed the enforcement action took place on 14 February 2026. A council spokesperson said: “A vehicle operating as a PHV was stopped by Merseyside Police on 14/02/26. After inspection neither the driver/vehicle held the appropriate licences.”

Licensing officers were present during the stop to assist police. The council added that “the driver will now face summons for insurance offences,” indicating further legal proceedings are expected.

Operating a private hire vehicle without the correct driver and vehicle licences is a criminal offence and can also invalidate insurance cover.

Driver to face summons for insurance offences after council licensing officers confirm no valid licences were held

The action forms part of ongoing joint operations between Liverpool City Council Licensing and Merseyside Police targeting non-compliant vehicles working within the city. Such operations typically focus on meeting licensing requirements, insurance, vehicle condition and driver eligibility.