Wolverhampton-led taxi enforcement operation in Preston sees PHV SUSPENDED during National Licensing Week checks
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
A Wolverhampton City Council-led licensing enforcement operation has resulted in the suspension of a private hire vehicle (PHV) after compliance officers identified a vehicle displaying an engine management warning light during roadside inspections.
The checks were carried out on Friday night as part of National Licensing Week 2026, with officers from Wolverhampton Public Protection joining colleagues from Lancashire Police, Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Sefton Council and Knowsley Council in Preston.
According to Wolverhampton Public Protection, licensing and compliance officers conducted inspections of licensed vehicles and drivers operating in the area. The operation formed part of wider efforts across the country to assess vehicle safety, licensing compliance and driver standards within the taxi and private hire sector.
In a social media update following the operation, Wolverhampton Public Protection said: “On the night 26 City of Wolverhampton Council PHVs checked. 1 PHV suspended due to engine management light being on.”
The figures indicate that 26 Wolverhampton-licensed private hire vehicles were inspected during the enforcement exercise, with one vehicle immediately suspended from service pending further action. While an illuminated engine management light does not always indicate a serious fault, licensing authorities can take a precautionary approach where vehicle safety or roadworthiness may be affected.
Cross-border enforcement operations have become increasingly common as licensing authorities seek to monitor vehicles operating outside their home licensing areas. National Licensing Week provides an opportunity for councils, police forces and enforcement teams to work together to identify non-compliance and reinforce safety standards across the taxi and private hire industry.
