Follow PHTM
Posted on the 17th December 2024 in PHTM News
OVER 130 TAXIS/PHVS CHECKED UNDER JOINT LICENSING OPERATION IN WARRINGTON
As part of a wider operation to keep residents safe when out and about, Warrington Local Policing Unit (LPU), supported by the Motorcycle Unit, the Special Constabulary, Immigration Officers and the Warrington, Halton and Wolverhampton taxi licensing teams, launched Operation Confederation across the town to ensure that the taxis ferrying visitors and residents were correctly licensed.
The operation, which was conducted on Friday 15 to Saturday 16 November and Friday 6 December to Saturday 7 December respectively, revolved around officers conducting inspections of both locally licensed taxis/PHVs and those licensed in other council areas that operate in Warrington.
Over the four nights, officers were deployed to the Bank Quay and Central stations, a main hub for taxis/PHVs registered both in and outside of Warrington. Whilst at the ranks, officers from the LPU and the three councils engaged with the drivers and conducted a number of safety checks, including: making sure all vehicle lights were fully operational, drivers were in possession of their IDs and, where appropriate, CCTV cameras were in operation.
During the first weekend, the Motorcycle Unit was utilised to create a checkpoint for stopping vehicles along Winwick Road and Stockton Heath and close to the M6 junction at the top of Manchester Road. These checkpoints were not used during the second weekend due to the impact of Storm Darragh.
In total, over the two weekends officers checked over 130 taxis and PHVs, with most of the licensing breaches being minor, mainly concerning drivers who were not correctly displaying their ID. However, all were able to produce their IDs when asked.
Other highlights from the weekends of operation included:
- Stopping an Uber that was not displaying proper signage, a breach of licence conditions. This driver was also issued with a traffic report as his number plates did not comply with regulations and was reported to the DVLA by due to concerns with his driving licence
- A vehicle was seized after it was spotted driving with a light out and its driver found to be in possession of a provisional licence
- Three vehicles being given defect notifications for issues such as lights out, bald tyres and unsafe vehicle panels
Inspector Christopher Webster, of Warrington LPU's Neighbourhood Team, said: "It was really reassuring to see that so many of the taxis/PHVs that operate in our town were compliant with the appropriate legislation, with the few found to be in breach being swiftly removed from the road.
"Our officers will continue to support the legitimate taxi drivers in Warrington throughout December, with this operation continuing well in to the festive period and new year to ensure those enjoying a night out in Warrington can return home safely."
Read another story
- NORWICH CABBIE BANNED AFTER LAPSE IN CONCENTRATION CAUSES SERIOUS MOPED CRASH
A 61-year-old Norwich cabbie has been banned from driving after seriously injuring a moped rider in a crash, effectively ending his 40-year career.
- HENLEY REGATTA PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER TO PAY OVER £2,000 FOR ILLEGAL RIDES
Muhammad Naeem of High Wycombe was convicted in his absence at Oxfordshire Magistrates' Court on 13 December, after failing to appear.
- TAXI DRIVER ARRESTED FOR FAILING CANNABIS TEST DURING COUNTY DURHAM SAFETY CHECKS
The operation, a joint effort between Durham County Council, police, and the DVSA, saw 57 licensed vehicles stopped across Durham City, Darlington, Consett, and Chester-le-Street.
- STANSTED AIRPORT TO INTRODUCE BARRIER FREE DROP OFFS WITH ANPR TECHNOLOGY
This new technology, mirroring the successful implementation at the Dartford Crossing, will allow drivers to seamlessly pass through the Express Set Down (ESD) area without the need to stop and pay at a barrier.
- COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR HIGHLY REGARDED LAWYER WHO ASSAULTED JERSEY TAXI DRIVER
David Samuel Steenson pleaded guilty to common assault in the Magistrate's Court, admitting to punching the driver, who sustained multiple cuts and bruises to his face.
- POLICE AND COUNCIL CRACKDOWN ON ROGUE TAXIS OVER CHRISTMAS IN WREXHAM
Wrexham residents are being warned to be vigilant against unlicensed taxis operating during the festive season, as police and council officials launch a joint crackdown.
- EAST SUFFOLK TAXI DRIVER ACQUITTED OF ASSAULTING 80 YEAR OLD MAN IN ROAD RAGE INCIDENT
Nikolaos Boutelis, 61, faced charges of causing actual bodily harm stemming from an incident on March 25, 2022, in Reydon.
- 12 MONTHS JAIL FOR ST HELENS THUG WHO KICKED CABBIE AND THREATENED HIM WITH ACID ATTACK
Calvin Elliott, 31, from Rainhill, verbally abused and assaulted Ahmed Shebaz after the driver asked him to leave his drinks outside the vehicle.
- ANOTHER MAN ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF THE MURDER OF A NOTTINGHAM CABBIE 30 YEARS AGO
Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor, 26, known to his friends and family as Shami, was shot dead in his taxi on Tuesday 22 November 1994.
- NORTH YORKSHIRE TAXI DRIVERS FEAR NEW RULES COULD DRIVE THEM OUT OF BUSINESS
North Yorkshire Council is revising its hackney carriage policies to increase the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) and comply with equality legislation.
- DERBY PRIVATE HIRE DRIVERS FURIOUS OVER UNFAIR BUS LANE RESTRICTION
The drivers argue that the bus gate restriction on Corporation Street is causing them to lose customers and get stuck in unnecessary queues.
- ONE DRIVER SUSPENDED AND OTHERS WARNED FOLLOWING TAXI SPOT CHECKS IN NE LINCS
38 drivers were checked, alongside the condition of their vehicle, as well as their licence, insurance, tyres, lights and vehicle tax.
- BEDFORD COUNCIL APPROVES SIGNIFICANT RISE IN TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE LICENCE FEES
Despite expressing reluctance, Bedford Borough Council's General Licensing Committee has approved a significant increase in fees for taxi and private hire vehicle licences, effective March 2025.
- MID SUSSEX TAXI DRIVERS TO ACCEPT CARD PAYMENTS FOLLOWING COUNCIL DECISION
The decision comes after an eight-week public consultation and aims to address concerns raised by residents regarding the safety and convenience of cash-only transactions.
- DAWLISH TAXI FIRM OWNERS NAMED BY TEIGNBRIDGE DISTRICT COUNCIL AFTER LOSING LICENCES
Michael Miller and Grace Miller, of Grab A Cab, lost their hackney carriage proprietor and driver licences following a series of complaints alleging aggressive and abusive behaviour, threats and intimidation.
- £1.6M ASSET REFINANCE DEAL DRIVES GROWTH OF LEADING LONDON EV COMPANY - SHERBET
A leading eco-friendly electric taxi company based in central London is driving forward with its ambitious growth plans and opening a new local community hub, after securing a £1.6m asset refinance deal.
- ARGYLL AND BUTE CONSIDERS TAXI FARE HIKE DESPITE LOW OPERATOR RESPONSE
Only eight out of 101 taxi operators across the region responded to the council's consultation on potential fare increases, which ran from October 24 to December 2.
- UNLICENSED KINGS LYNN PRIVATE HIRE DRIVER TO PAY OVER £2,000 FOLLOWING UNDERCOVER STING
Kevin Turner was caught transporting undercover council officers on two separate occasions after they booked journeys with him.
- CRAWLEY COUNCIL SEEKS LEGAL ACTION AGAINST UBER OVER GATWICK AIRPORT BUSINESS
Drivers claim that Uber cars registered in London are taking a significant portion of airport business, impacting their livelihoods.
- GOVERNMENT ISSUES ENGLISH DEVOLUTION WHITE PAPER
Taxis and private hire vehicles are an important part of our transport networks and some of the most vulnerable groups in our society rely on them.
