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Two taxis suspended as police and multi-authority licensing officers check 108 vehicles at Bristol Airport
- Perry Richardson
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Two licensed vehicles were immediately suspended during a large taxi and private hire enforcement operation at Bristol Airport.
Officers stopped and checked 108 vehicles licensed by 26 different authorities during the joint operation, according to PC Patrick Quinton, Taxi Cop for Avon and Somerset Police.
The checks involved licensing officers from Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, Wolverhampton Council, Newport City Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council.
One immediate suspension was issued because of a tyre defect, while another vehicle was suspended after officers identified bodywork damage. Two tickets were also issued for number plate-related offences.
PC Quinton said vehicle standards were generally high, with no lighting defects identified during the operation. Every driver required to complete an eyesight test also passed.
However, officers found that a number of drivers were not carrying their driver identification badges. Those affected were prevented from driving away until they could provide evidence that they held the appropriate licence.
Licensed taxi and private hire drivers are required to display or carry their badges in accordance with the conditions and legislation applying to their licence. The badge allows passengers and enforcement officers to confirm that the person driving the vehicle is properly licensed.
Reports concerning drivers who did not have their badges will now be sent to their respective licensing authorities for consideration.
PC Patrick Quinton said: “We stopped and checked 108 vehicles from 26 different authorities.
“Good news: great compliance especially for vehicle standards. Not a single lighting issue I’m aware of. Only two immediate suspensions issued, one for tyre, one for bodywork damage, and two tickets for number plate related issues. Everyone who had an eyesight test passed.
“Bad news: the amount of drivers not having a badge with them. As it’s a criminal offence and a safety risk, those drivers were not allowed to drive off until they could prove they were licensed. Reports will be sent to the councils licensing them.”
The operation took place in temperatures reported to have reached 33C. PC Quinton thanked drivers for their patience and cooperation during the roadside checks.
